cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Developing Critical Mass Teacher Education and Critical Inquiry Pedagogy

This article is an argument for imagining an ecological approach to supporting beginning teachers in critical inquiry classrooms. Working from anecdotal evidence suggesting that beginning teachers suffer from a lack of support for their efforts at establishing critical inquiry, the author suggests that educators need to think beyond the traditional structures of teacher education and consider ways of working that bridge the last years of college with the first years of teaching. Furthermore, there is a need to investigate partnerships between schools and universities that support a range of reflective practices by creating a critical mass of inquiry-based educators within school districts. To support this argument, the author shares the journals of a recent student teacher who benefited from placement in a small learning community that has embraced critical inquiry principles. In essence, educators need to recognize again the process of inquiry and use that process to support its continued use.
Adverse event reports following vaccination for Lyme disease: December 1998–July 2000

Abstract Context: The vaccine adverse event reporting system (VAERS) monitors vaccine safety post-licensure. Although events reported to VAERS are not necessarily causally associated with vaccination, VAERS reports can be used to identify possible safety concerns that occur at too low a rate to have been identified prior to licensure. Objective: To evaluate adverse events following Lyme disease vaccination reported to VAERS during the first 19 months of the vaccine’s licensure. Design, setting, and participants: Analysis of all VAERS reports of adverse events following vaccination for Lyme disease in the US from 28 December 1998 to 31 July 2000. Main outcome measure: We evaluated reported adverse events for unexpected patterns in age, gender, time to onset, dose number, and clinical characteristics and compared them to adverse events observed in clinical trials of this vaccine. Results: Over 1,400,000 doses were distributed and 905 adverse events were reported to VAERS, 440 in men and 404 in women, with ages ranging from 10 to 82 years. The majority (56%) of adverse events occurred after administration of the first dose. The most frequently reported adverse events were arthralgia (250), myalgia (195), and pain (157). There were 59 reports coded as arthritis, 34 as arthrosis, 9 as rheumatoid arthritis, and 12 as facial paralysis. Sixty-six (7.4%) events were classified as serious, involving life-threatening illness, hospitalization, prolongation of hospitalization, persistent or significant disability/incapacity, or death. Twenty-two hypersensitivity reactions were reported. Conclusions: Based on reporting to VAERS, we did not detect unexpected or unusual patterns of reported adverse events following Lyme disease vaccine administration, other than hypersensitivity reactions, compared with adverse events observed in clinical trials.
Targeting DNA topoisomerase II in cancer chemotherapy

Recent molecular studies have expanded the biological contexts in which topoisomerase II (TOP2) has crucial functions, including DNA replication, transcription and chromosome segregation. Although the biological functions of TOP2 are important for ensuring genomic integrity, the ability to interfere with TOP2 and generate enzyme-mediated DNA damage is an effective strategy for cancer chemotherapy. The molecular tools that have allowed an understanding of the biological functions of TOP2 are also being applied to understanding the details of drug action. These studies promise refined targeting of TOP2 as an effective anticancer strategy.
Ion-exchange paper chromatography of nucleoside diphosphate sugars and related nucleotides.

Abstract A new method especially adapted for the characterization of nucleoside diphosphate sugars in mixtures containing nucleoside mono-, di-, and tri-phosphates is described. It is based on ion-exchange chromatography using papers impregnated with polyethyleneimine (PEI). Nucleoside diphosphate sugars are separated from related compounds in 40 to 50 min. Good separations of the four common ribo- and deoxyribo-nucleoside monophosphate are achieved in about 4 hr. Thus homologous compounds are readily separated by this procedure which differ in the purine or pyrimidine component or which differ in the number of moles of phosphate present in the molecule.
A novel custom resequencing array for dilated cardiomyopathy.

Purpose: Genetic tests for the most commonly mutated genes in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) can confirm a clinical diagnosis in the proband and inform family management. Presymptomatic family members can be identified, allowing for targeted clinical monitoring to minimize adverse outcomes. However, the marked locus and allelic heterogeneity associated with DCM have made clinical genetic testing challenging. Novel sequencing platforms have now opened up avenues for more comprehensive diagnostic testing while simultaneously decreasing test cost and turn around time. Methods: By using a custom design based on triplicate resequencing and separate genotyping of known disease-causing variants, we developed the DCM CardioChip for efficient analysis of 19 genes previously implicated in causing DCM. Results: The chip's analytical sensitivity for known and novel substitution variants is 100% and 98%, respectively. In screening 73 previously tested DCM patients who did not carry clinically significant variants in 10 genes, 7 variants of likely clinical significance were identified in the remaining 9 genes included on the chip. Compared with traditional Sanger-based sequencing, test cost and turn around time were reduced by ∼50%. Conclusions: The DCM CardioChip is a highly efficient screening test with a projected clinical sensitivity of 26–29%.
Plant Regeneration from Mesophyll Protoplasts of Alfalfa

Summary Embryoids were initiated from alfalfa mesophyll protoplasts and subsequently regenerated to plants. Leaves from fast growing plants under low light intensity were preferred for protoplast isolation. Complete release of mesophyll protoplasts from leaflets was achieved in an enzyme solution consisting of 0.5 % Onozuka cellulase, 0.5 % Rhozyme, 0.25 % pectinase, 300 mg/l calcium and a 0.5 osmalal within 5–6 hrs. at 23–25 °C. Considerable variations in cell division were found in protoplasts produced from different plants. Protoplasts from younger leaves usually divided sooner than those from older leaves. In most cases the frequency of cell division was higher when the ratio of packed protoplast volume to medium volume was 0.1 % or lower. The ability of these protoplasts to form embryoids and regenerate into plants varied considerably from plant to plant within the same cultivar.
Asymptomatic Mitral Regurgitation: When to Operate?

The timing of surgical intervention in asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic patients with mitral regurgitation has always been a difficult clinical dilemma, especially with current options of valve replacement or valve repair. Symptomatic status should be carefully assessed and may depend upon either atrial fibrillation or progressive left ventricular dysfunction. Many patients may claim to be asymptomatic, but have profound limitations to their functional capacity and impairment of contraction indices. Because of this, every effort should be made to objectively follow the asymptomatic patient and schedule surgical intervention before irreversible left ventricular dysfunction. Left ventricular ejection fraction continues to be an inappropriate parameter, for the regurgitant fraction increases the preload to the left ventricle, and the regurgitant orifice reduces left ventricular after load with increase In ejection fraction. End-diastolic dimension of volume is dependent upon such preload, and hence not accurate. End-systolic diameter is a better prognostic index; an end-systolic dimension of 4.5 cm (2.6 cm/m2) and a calculated end-systolic volume of 50 mL/m2 seem to be reasonable discriminators of outcome following surgery. More recent investigations suggest that left ventricular dP/dt, measured from a Doppler profile of mitral regurgitation, is perhaps a better predictor. In the asymptomatic patient, it is difficult to justify a role for intense medical therapy. The patient who develops atrial fibrillation does require a long-term anticoagulation therapy, and valve repair might be considered in this patient. Sinus rhythm may be restored with early surgical intervention, thereby reducing complications of throm-boemboiism or anticoagulant therapy. But there is little evidence that the atrial dysrhythmia predisposes to progressive left Ventricular dysfunctlon. Vasodilator therapy In asymptomatic patients may delay the progression of left ventricular dysfunction in aortic regurgitation, but there is little evidence that such therapy in patients with mitral regurgitation will delay left ventricular dysfunction and surgical intervention. (J Card Surg 1994;9[Suppl]:248–251)
Protective factors associated with resilient functioning in young adulthood after childhood exposure to violence

Children may be subjected to many forms of violence and a significant number will experience multiple victimizations. These children are at high risk for developing psychological and emotional difficulties that may last into adulthood. Despite the increased risk for psychopathology, a substantial percentage of young adults exhibit resilient functioning following a history of childhood violence. This study examines the role of social support, spirituality, and emotional intelligence in promoting resilience during emerging adulthood. Participants included 321 young adult American college students, age 18-24, who experienced childhood violence, including community violence, interpersonal aggression, child maltreatment, peer/sibling victimization, and/or sexual assault. Findings revealed that this sample was highly victimized, with an average of 9 violent experiences reported during childhood. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses indicated that after controlling for exposure to childhood victimization, other potentially traumatic events, and current depression and anxiety symptoms, higher resilience during emerging adulthood was associated with greater spirituality, greater emotional intelligence, and support from friends (but not from family). Findings suggest that the potency of protective factors outweighs that of adversity and psychopathology when predicting resilient functioning. By identifying variables that can enhance resilience, this study offers unique insight into how functioning may be improved by both individual and environmental factors.
Unexpected redox rectification by an electrochemically prepared iridium oxide electrode/aqueous acid interface

In highly acidic aqueous solutions, electrochemically prepared iridium oxide films behave as steady-state insulators and transient rectifiers towards the Ru(NH3)63+/2+ redox couple. In less acidic solutions the films show only partial transient rectification or else fully reversible transient behavior, together with Koutecky—Levich-type steady-state behavior. Experimental studies, as a function of Ru(NH3)63+ concentration, solution pH, film thickness, voltammetric sweep rate and electrode rotation rate, show that these unusual phenomena are related to: (1) transient uptake of Ru(NH3)63+, apparently in place of H+, during film-based Ir(IV/III) cycling; (2) Donnan exclusion of Ru(NH3)63+ from the reduced film under steady-state conditions; and/or (3) film-based diffusional inhibition of Ru(NH3)63+ reduction.
Long-term results of the Carpentier-Edwards pericardial aortic valve: a 12-year follow-up.

Abstract Background . Pericardial valves have excellent hemodynamic function; however, long-term durability is questionable. To determine the function of the Carpentier-Edwards pericardial valve in the aortic position, the results of 310 aortic valve replacements performed between 1982 and 1985 were analyzed. Mean age was 64.2 ± 10.8 years (range, 22 to 95 years); 190 (61.3%) were men. Isolated valve replacement was performed in 135 patients (43.5%). There were 18 hospital deaths (5.8%), none of them valve related. Methods . Follow-up of 292 survivors was 100% complete at a mean of 8.8 years; 2,556 patient-years of follow-up were analyzed. There were 150 late deaths (51.4%). Survival at 5, 10, and 12 years were 83% ± 2%, 47% ± 3%, and 34% ± 3%, respectively. The 12-year actuarial and actual freedom from thromboembolism was 87% ± 2% and 89% ± 2%, respectively. Freedom from hemorrhage was 91% ± 2% and 92% ± 2%; freedom from endocarditis was 93% ± 2% and 95% ± 1%; and freedom from structural deterioration was 82% ± 4% and 91% ± 2%, respectively. Results . Actuarial freedom from structural deterioration at 12 years was considerably higher for 153 hospital survivors 65 years or older, 93% (5 explants) compared to 76% (19 explants) for patients younger than 65 years, p = 0.03. Of 24 explanted valves for structural deterioration, leaflet calcification resulting in stenosis occurred in 20 (83%) and 4 were wear-related leaflet tears. Conclusions . We conclude that the Carpentier-Edwards pericardial valve has a low incidence of valve-related complications, that structural deterioration is infrequent and results from leaflet calcification, and that the low incidence of structural deterioration in patients 65 years or older makes this an increasingly appropriate option in this age group.
A one-year, phase I/IIa, open-label pilot trial of imatinib mesylate in the treatment of systemic sclerosis-associated active interstitial lung disease.

Purpose Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-b) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) may play a critical role in systemic sclerosis- interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) and imatinib is a potent inhibitor of TGF-b and PDGF production. We report a phase I/IIa open-label pilot study of imatinib in patients with SSc-ILD. Our primary aim was to assess imatinib’s safety; we also explored efficacy.
Scanning-electron microscopy of infection of bean by species of Sclerotinia.

SUMMARYScanning-electron microscopy was used to follow pathogenesis by Sclerotinia minor and S. sclerotiorum in bean tissue. The process of disease development included formation of infection cushi...
Crack Arrest Test Results of Unirradiated and Irradiated German RPV Steels

In the CARISMA[1] and CARINA[2] projects comprehensive tensile, Charpy-impact and fracture toughness tests were performed for unirradiated and irradiated original reactor pressure vessel (RPV) steel specimens from German pressurized water reactors (PWR) up to neutron fluences in the range of 60 operational years and beyond.In addition, crack arrest fracture toughness tests were performed to demonstrate the crack arrest behavior of the materials. To determine the crack arrest properties of ferritic steels, the designated test method according to ASTM E1221 [3] was used. However, in particular for irradiated reactor pressure vessel materials with higher irradiation embrittlement, the prescribed standard test specimen does not always provide adequate test results. During starter notch preparation annealing effects occurred in the heat affected zone (HAZ) of the brittle weld of the starter notch causing crack arrest in the HAZ after unstable crack initiation. Therefore a modified test method to perform crack arrest tests with so called duplex specimens was investigated.In this paper this modified method and the test results of five base and four weld metals with a fluence up to 4,69E+19 cm−2 (E >1 MeV) are discussed.The available test results show that the duplex specimen is an appropriate alternative to the standard compact crack arrest (CCA) specimen. The measured KIa fracture toughness data are enveloped by the “lower bound” of the ASME KIa-curve indexed with RTNDTj or TKIa but not all data are enveloped by indexing the “lower bound” curve with RTT0 like described in the ASME Code Case N-629 [4]. Furthermore correlations of the crack arrest test results with Charpy-impact and fracture toughness test results will be shown.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
The relationship between consumer innovativeness, personal characteristics, and online banking adoption

Purpose – This paper explores the relationships between consumer innovativeness, self‐efficacy on the internet, internet attitudes and online banking adoption, while controlling for personal characteristics.Design/methodology/approach – The study integrates the technology acceptance model (TAM) and adoption of innovation framework to develop predictions of online banking acceptance. It distinguishes between innate consumer innovativeness, a generalized personality trait, and internet‐domain‐specific or actualized innovativeness in order to explore consumer characteristics' impact on adoption. Data are analyzed using logistic regression.Findings – While results confirm the positive relationship between internet related innovativeness and online banking they also surprisingly show that general innovativeness is negatively related to online banking.Research limitations/implications – Results may or may not differ according to whether consumers are using online, telephone banking, electronic funds transfer (E...
SOFTWARE ENABLED VARIABLE DISPLACEMENT PUMPS - EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES ∗

The majority of hydraulic systems are controlled using a metering valve or the use of variable displacement pumps. Metering valve control is compact and has a high control bandwidth, but it is energy inefficient due to throttling losses. Variable displacement pumps are far more efficient as the pump only produces the required flow, but comes with the cost of additional bulk, sluggish response, and added cost. In a previous paper [1], a hydromechanical analog of an electronic switch-mode power supply was proposed to create the functional equivalent of a variable displacement pump. This approach combines a fixed displacement pump with a pulse-width-modulated (PWM) on/off valve, a check valve, and an accumulator. The effective pump displacement can be varied by adjusting the PWM duty ratio. Since on/off valves exhibit low loss when fully open or fully closed, the proposed system is potentially more energy efficient than metering valve control, while achieving this efficiency without many of the shortcomings of traditional variable displacement pumps. The system also allows for a host of programmable features that can be implemented via control of the PWM duty ratio. This paper presents initial experimental validation of the concept as well as an investigation of the system efficiency. The experimental apparatus was built using available off-the-shelf components and uses a linear proportional spindle valve as the PWM valve. Experimental results confirm that the proposed approach can achieve variable control function more efficiently than a valve controlled system, and that by increasing the PWM frequency and adding closed-loop control can decrease system response times and of the output ripple magnitude. Sources of inefficiency and their contributions are also investigated via modeling, simulation and are validated by experiments. These indicate design parameters for improving inefficiency.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Sharing analysis of the behavior of electrons in some simple ylides

Abstract The aim of this paper is to investigate the bonding in simple ylides in a physically meaningful fashion. Simple ylides have unique electronic structures because the behavior of electrons in the compounds does not conform to that expected solely on the basis of carbon–carbon and carbon–hydrogen bonds. The CS bonds in the molecules SH 2 CH 2 and (CH 3 ) 2 SCH 2 are investigated by using the sharing amplitudes and the sharing indices [R.L. Fulton, J. Chem. Phys. 97 (1993) 7516]. The sharing indices between the carbon and the sulfur indicate an intermediate single–double bond character in the ylides. On the basis of the group basin charges and the inter-group sharing indices between the CH 2 groups and the SH 2 or S(CH 3 ) 2 groups, the bonds are ionic with full double bond characters. Detailed comparisons of the results for the ylides PHCH 2 , PH 3 CH 2 , SH 2 CH 2 and NH 3 CH 2 are presented.
Upscaling, Gridding, and Simulation Using Streamtubes

This paper presents an innovative upscaling methodology based on the semi-analytical simulator developed in the first part. The methodology generates a coarse grid based on streamtubes and isobars, whose upscaled properties are accurately calculated using the properties of each streamtube that constitutes the coarse block. Beyond the calculation of upscaled static properties of the grid, the methodology also calculates upscaled relative permeability curves, or pseudofunctions, using the semi-analytical streamtube method to perform this without requiring any significant additional time. Tests showed that the results from the streamtube coarse grid had an excellent agreement with the fine grid solution. In contrast, simulations with a coarse grid upscaled with conventional techniques failed in many situations. Although this upscaling methodology is heavily based on a fixed streamtube simulation method, it provided good results even for situations in which this streamtube simulator is not supposed to work, such as displacements with favorable mobility ratios, and for problems with gravity and compressibility.
Maternal and neonatal outcomes among pregnant women with 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) illness in Florida, 2009-2010: a population-based cohort study.

Introduction Pregnant women have been identified as a high risk group for severe illness with 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) virus infection (pH1N1). Obesity has also been identified as a risk factor for severe illness, though this has not been thoroughly assessed among pregnant women. The objectives of this study were to provide risk estimates for adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes associated with pH1N1 illness during pregnancy and to assess the role of obesity in these outcomes.
Tolerance to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol in adapted and nonadapted rabbits

Two groups of New Zealand white rabbits, one which had been adapted to the testing chamber and one which had not been adapted to the testing chamber, were given delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta9-THC; 0.5 mg/kg, IV) daily for 12 days. During vehicle control and on the first and last day of delta9-THC administration, electroencephalograms (EEG's) were recorded from the motor cortex and hippocampus, while standing, sprawling and behavioral activity were recorded concurrently. The results showed that tolerance to the behavioral and EEG effects of delta9-THC occurs in rabbits and that acute and chronic effects produced by delta9-THC are influenced by environmental factors.
Pharmacology and toxicology of phosphorothioate oligonucleotides in the mouse, rat, monkey and man

Phosphorothioate oligonucleotides (PS-ODN) designed to temporarily modulate selected gene expression have made the journey from bench top to beside in a remarkably short period of time. A PS-ODN with sequence complementary to the p53 mRNA was administered to mice (4 mg/kg subcutaneously), rats (3-300 mg/kg intravenously), monkeys (intravenous infusions for up to 15 days) and humans (up to 0.25 mg/kg/h intravenous infusions for 10 days). These studies demonstrate the PS-ODN provides feasible pharmacokinetic parameters and minimal toxicity.
A technique for rapid impact damage detection with implication for composite aircraft structures

Abstract A technique using a simple optical arrangement (called D-Sight) involving a source of light and a retroreflective screen was patented by Diffracto Ltd. The method was used to locate indentations associated with low energy impact damage. In graphite/epoxy specimens good correlation was observed between internal impact damage as shown on ultrasonic C-scan images and indentations detected with the D-Sight method. Test specimens are currently mounted on an aircraft to observe the influence of in-service surface degradation on technique resolution. The method has the potential for inexpensive, rapid and objective detection of low energy impact damage over large areas of composite aircraft structure. Application of this method, because of its inherent reliability, could result in the increasing of the design allowable strain levels for some composite components.
Particle size limits of optical trapping and deflection for sorting using diode laser bars

We model and examine advantages and limitations of diode laser bar trapping for manipulating particles greater than 100 µm in diameter. This method overcomes limitations that prevent conventional point traps from effectively directing large particles.
A foam OTEC system

Abstract Experiments are described which attempt to incorporate the main features of a foam OTEC System. These features include foam generation, foam rise, foam breaking, and finally separation of liquid and vapor. Our foam generator formed foam at rates as high as would be desired in a commercial plant, ~1 g/cm 2 sec. The rise of the foam, accompanied by a drop in temperature, was as expected by theory. The foam breaking, and the subsequent separation of liquid and vapor, presented no problem. Totally unexpected was the dominant role played by the wall drag in our 4 in diameter, 30 ft high column. Experiments were consistent, however, with a very simple expression for the variation of the drag coefficient with the foam parameters of mass flow rate and density. For the large diameter columns envisioned for commercial plants, wall drag will play only a minor role. Likewise unexpected was the large surfactant concentration (~1000 ppm) required to maintain complete foam stability to the top of the column. The periodic appearance of large bubbles at lower concentrations may be generated by our high rates of shear strain, greater than 20 sec. Another problem which must be solved is common to all open cycle systems. This is deaeration.
Reversal of aminopterin inhibition in the chick embryo with desoxyribosides.

SummaryAminopterin, injected prior to, or early in, the incubation period, is highly toxic to the chick embryo. Ten micrograms or more of this compound produce 100% mortality; 100 μg or more per egg completely inhibit embryonic development. The inhibitor becomes relatively less toxic as embryonic development progresses; at nine days or more, twenty micrograms is non-toxic. The same amount injected at three days results in almost immediate embryonic death.Thymidine partially counteracted the inhibitory effects of aminopterin. A combination of hypoxanthine desoxyriboside and thymidine was more effective than thymidine alone. In the absence of thymidine, hypoxanthine desoxyriboside was without effect. An enzymatic digest of desoxyribonucleic acid also counteracted aminopterin inhibition partially. Thymine, hypoxanthine, folic acid, vitamin B12, and concentrates of the Leuconostoc citrovorum factor, alone and in various combinations, were ineffective in counteracting aminopterin inhibition.These experiments i...
Left main coronary artery arising from the pulmonary trunk in a 56-year-old patient presenting with acute myocardial infarction.

Abstract When one coronary artery arises from the pulmonary trunk and the other from the aorta survival into adulthood is possible. In a review of congenital heart disease studied at necropsy by Fontana and Edwards, 1 only 1 patient had this anomaly observed. In this review they found published reports of 58 patients with the origin of the left main coronary artery from the pulmonary trunk: 46 of 58 patients (79%) were dead by age of 13 months. The remaining patients lived >15 years. The major cause of death during the first year of life was congestive heart failure. Of the patients living to adulthood 67% died suddenly. We present a patient with the origin of the left main coronary artery from the pulmonary trunk who presented with acute myocardial infarction.
Preemergent Herbicides for Cantaloupe and Watermelon

The preernergence applied herbicides tested provided acceptable weed control in watermelon and cantaloupe for one month after planting. Plots treated with ethalfluralin had satisfactory yields, good weed control, and no crop injury. Bensulide and the sodium salt of naptalam in combination also resulted in satisfactory weed control for one month after planting. Clomazone provided good weed control be resulted in foliar injury expressed as folk whitening and reduced yield. Chemical names used: 0,O-bis(l-rnethlethyl) S-[2-[@henylsulfonyl) arnino] ethyl] phosphorodithioate (bensulide); 2-[2chlmophenyl) methyll4, 4-dimethyl-3-isoxamlidinone (clornazone); Nethyl-N- (2-rnethyl-2-propmyl)-2,6dinih-o-4-(kifluo~ (ethalflural'in); (sodium 2-[(1-naphthalenylamino) carbonyl] benzoate (sodium salt of naptalam).
Progress toward a second generation Laboratory Information System (LIS)

A Laboratory Information System (LIS) is a convenient organization of programs and hardware designed to meet the health care delivery needs of a department of pathology. A full service LIS is now a commercially viable product and after 2 years of experience, certain desirable design features are evident for a second generation system. Such variables as hardware configuration, physical plant, libraries, diagnostic algorithms, system usage and surveillance, and manpower and human engineering are now significant operational features and essential for LIS acceptance by a department of pathology as well as the practicing medical staff.
Ethnography, Affect, Geography, and Unemployment

As Jeffrey notes at the conclusion of his book, we are working today “at a time when fewer and fewer scholars have the time, inclination, and resources to conduct long-term qualitative research” (1...
Cognitive Training Interventions in Children: Review of a New Approach

This paper reviews cognitive training studies with children showing behavioral, attentional, or cognitive problems. Various cognitive procedures have been employed, including self-instructional, problem solving, and component attentional skills training. The most consistently sensitive index of training effectiveness has been improved performance on the Matching Familiar Figures Test, a measure of cognitive impulsivity. Reports of improved reading performance suggest that cognitive training may enhance academic functioning. The effectiveness of cognitive training in reducing disruptive classroom behavior has been equivocal. Positive findings suggest the necessity of including a social skills training component. Strong support for maintenance effects is lacking. Among hyperactive children, cognitive training has had little impact on classroom behavior but has resulted in improved and sustained cognitive functioning. This training may be a useful adjunct in the clinical management of hyperactive children un...
An approach to spatially distributed modeling of net primary production (NPP) at the landscape scale and its application in validation of EOS NPP products

Substantial research seeks to improve estimates of ecosystem processes and fluxes at a range of scales, notably from the stand scale (<1 km2) using ecosystem physiology and eddy covariance techniques, to the landscape (∼102 km2) and global (108 km2) scales using a variety of modeling and data acquisition approaches. One approach uses remotely sensed ecosystem properties in the scaling process. This approach combines digital maps of key ecosystem properties such as land cover type, leaf area index, and/or canopy chemistry with quantitative models of biological processes based on these ecosystem properties. Constraints on parametrizing models for global scale applications mean that relatively simple algorithms must be used which are based almost exclusively on satellite-derived inputs, for example, the planned Earth Observation System (EOS)-MODIS Land Science Team model output. Presently, there are limited ways of validating these outputs. At the landscape scale, the opportunity exists to combine remote sensing data with spatially distributed, process-based biogeochemistry models to examine variation in ecosystem processes such as NPP as a function of land cover type, canopy attributes, and/or location along environmental gradients. These process models can be validated against direct measurements made with eddy covariance flux towers and ground-based NPP sampling. Once run and validated over local landscapes, these fine scale models may provide our best opportunity to provide meaningful evaluation (or “validation” in some sense) of simpler, globally applied models. In this article, we 1) provide a biological framework that links ecosystem attributes and ecosystem carbon flux processes at a variety of scales, and summarizes the state of knowledge and models in these areas, 2) describe the need for developing NPP surfaces at a local landscape scale as a means of validating global models, in particular the MODIS NPP product, 3) describe the approach of the BigFoot project to performing such a validation exercise for a series of sites in North America, and 4) present an example using one such model (PnET-II) across diverse vegetation types in a heterogeneous landscape in central North America.
Evaluation of bovine fibrin sealant in the dog.

Fibrin sealant (human fibrinogen-bovine thrombin) is an effective biodegradable hemostatic agent. However, there is a risk of transmission of infectious viral disease. A new bovine fibrinogen-thrombin sealant (BFTS) was tested for tissue and immune responses in intrathoracic aorta graft in dogs.Intrathoracic aorta replacement was performed in three dogs with a porous Dacron graft presealed with BFTS. Dogs were immunized preoperatively with four dermal applications of BFTS at 9-day intervals. Cellular and humoral immunity to BFTS were determined with lymphocyte blastogenesis test and enzyme-lined immunosorbent assay, respectively. Dogs were necropsied 3 weeks after aortic replacement.Histopathological examination showed that all dogs had a mild inflammatory reaction to the BFTS sealed graft, as expected in response to an inert foreign body. Assay of cellular and humoral immunity to BFTS revealed a low lymphocyte response and a moderate immunoglobulin G (Ig G) response, with no evidence of immediate Ig E (t...
Analyses of metal forming problems by the boundary element method

Forming is one of the most common manufacturing processes. This paper reviews the applications of the boundary element method (BEM) to analyses of various forming processes, e.g. extrusion, rolling, profile rolling, etc. The boundary element formulations for elastic-plastic and elastic-viscoplastic problems involving large strains and rotations are considered first. The elastic strains are assumed to remain small. The rotations and nonelastic strains, however, are allowed to be large. Bulk compressibility effects, which are often ignored for finite strain problems of metallic solids, are explicitly included here. An updated Lagrangian approach is adopted for the BEM analyses of forming processes. The frictional conditions at the tool-workpiece interface are introduced through a smeared interface element. For several forming problems, the frictional stresses change direction at the neutral region, and the location of this region is not known a priori. It is demonstrated here that the BEM can be used to efficiently and accurately analyse this class of planar and axisymmetric forming problems involving both material and geometric nonlinearities, along with complicated interface conditions. The numerical results obtained from the FEM analyses are also compared to those obtained from FEM with regard to efficiency and accuracy.
A novel near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) system for measuring regional oxygen saturation

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) offers a continuous, non-invasive method of measuring biological tissue oxygenation. However, on-line, consistent quantitative measurements of oxy- and deoxyhemoglobin concentrations and tissue oxygen saturation by NIRS have met with challenging problems. We have developed a novel NIRS system that minimizes these problems in monitoring regional tissue oxygen saturation of the brain and skeletal muscle. The results show that our NIRS system measured tissue oxygen saturation levels that were expected in the experiments.
Pharmacogenomics of Antidepressant Medications

With the completion of the human genome project, surges in studies investigating the association of antidepressant responsiveness and select polymorphisms have been conducted. Studies have been completed investigating polymorphisms in the monoaminergic system, including the serotonin transporter gene, the serotonin 1A, 2A, and 6 receptor genes, the G-protein-coupled receptor genes, the tryptophan hydroxylase 1 gene, the monoamine oxidase gene, the dopamine receptor genes, and the noradrenergic genes. Other genes of potential interest for investigation include the nitric oxide gene, the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene, the interleukin-1 beta gene, the stress hormone system, and the phosphodiesterase genes. Many of the studies have provided positive results, but the studies are small and are limited to a specific ethnicity. Further research is needed in the area before an array of genes can be used to predetermine response to antidepressant medication.
Graduated driver licensing and motor vehicle crashes involving teenage drivers: an exploratory age-stratified meta-analysis.

Objective Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) has been implemented in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, USA and Israel. We conducted an exploratory summary of available data to estimate whether GDL effects varied with age. Methods We searched MEDLINE and other sources from 1991–2011. GDL evaluation studies with crashes resulting in injuries or deaths were eligible. They had to provide age-specific incidence rate ratios with CI or information for calculating these quantities. We included studies from individual states or provinces, but excluded national studies. We examined rates based on person-years, not license-years. Results Of 1397 papers, 144 were screened by abstract and 47 were reviewed. Twelve studies from 11 US states and one Canadian province were selected for meta-analysis for age 16, eight were selected for age 17, and four for age 18. Adjusted rate ratios were pooled using random effects models. The pooled adjusted rate ratios for the association of GDL presence with crash rates was 0.78 (95% CI 0.72 to 0.84) for age 16 years, 0.94 (95% CI 0.93 to 0.96) for 17 and 1.00 (95% CI 0.95 to 1.04) for 18. The difference between these three rate ratios was statistically significant: p Conclusions GDL policies were associated with a 22% reduction in crash rates among 16-year-old drivers, but only a 6% reduction for 17-year-old drivers. GDL showed no association with crashes among 18-year-old drivers. Because we had few studies to summarise, particularly for older adolescents, our findings should be considered exploratory.
Measuring Reliability of Applications Composed of Web Services

Web services represent an alternative basis for the rapid development of application systems. Much of the research on composition and orchestration of Web services centers around functional sufficiency and performance. Non-functional characteristics like reliability and security play an important role in the selection of Web services by system architects. This paper provides a basis for measuring reliability of an application system that is assembled using Web services. It outlines criteria for measuring reliability for individual tasks, specifies combining functions for differently configured tasks, and applies these techniques to a problem which contains various sizes of business processes to demonstrate the efficacy of the approach
Clinal differentiation and putative hybridization in a contact zone of Pinus ponderosa and P. arizonica (Pinaceae).

The widely distributed Pinus subsection Ponderosae is a species complex that has a transition zone among taxa in the southwestern United States. In southern Arizona and New Mexico at least two recognized taxa, Pinus ponderosavar. scopulorum and Pinus arizonica or P. ponderosa var. arizonica, are known to coexist in close proximity. In this study, we report the existence of populations where the taxa are sympatric. One of the key characteristics distinguishing taxa is the number of needles per fascicle; P. ponderosa typically has three, P. arizonica has five. We examined the spatial distribution of needle-number types in a belt transect that covers a transition zone from nearly pure three-needle types at the top of Mount Lemmon to five-needle types downslope, in the Santa Catalina Mountains, Arizona. The spatial distribution is inconsistent with there being both free interbreeding among types and selective neutrality of types. Trees with intermediate types, having combinations of three, four, and five needles and/or mean numbers of needles between 3.0 and 5.0, are spatially concentrated in the middle of the transition zone. The spatial distribution supports the occurrence of hybridization and introgression, and this is consistent with reported crossabilities of the types. The results suggest that selection is acting, either on needle number per se or on other traits of the ecotype with which it may be in linkage disequilibrium, to maintain the observed steep clinal differentiation.
Nutrition in adolescence.

1. Giuseppina DiMeglio, MD* 1. 2. *The University of Rochester Medical Center Rochester, NY 1. Nutritional Requirements During Adolescence . Story M. In: McAnarney E, Kreipe REK, Orr DP, Comerci GD, eds. Textbook of Adolescent Medicine . 1992 WB Saunders Co Philadelphia, Penn 2. http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/Dietary/drv.html 3. http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/Dietary/Chartls.gif 4. Food Intakes of United States Children and Adolescents Compared With Recommendations. Munoz KA, Krebs-Smith SM, Ballard-Barbash R, Cleveland LE. Pediatrics . 1997;100:323-329 [OpenUrl][1][Abstract/FREE Full Text][2] 5. Nutritional Supplements. Fact vs Fiction. Johnson WA, Landry GL. State of the Art Reviews: Adolescent Medicine . 1998;9:501-514 Adolescence is a time of remarkable growth. During this time, 20% of final adult height and 50% of adult weight are attained. Bone mass increases by 45%, and dramatic bone remodeling occurs. Soft tissues, organs, and even red blood cell mass increase in size. As a result, nutritional requirements peak in adolescence. Deficits in macronutrients or micronutrients can impair growth and delay sexual maturation. Requirements for the individual are impossible to estimate because of considerable variation in the rate and amount of growth. Population-based estimates include the reference daily intake (RDI), which estimates average requirements, and the recommended dietary allowance (RDA), which estimates the intake that meets the needs of most of the population. Eating a varied diet, with foods chosen from all the food groups in the proportion recommended on the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Pyramid virtually insures meeting micronutrient requirements. Adolescents who meet these recommendations do not require nutritional supplements. Adolescents often have chaotic eating patterns that do not conform to dietary recommendations. Fewer than 2% of adolescents consume adequate amounts of all the food groups, and almost 20% of females and 7% of males do not consume an adequate number of portions of any of the food groups. The vast majority of adolescents eat too much fat and saturated fat and too few vegetables and fruits. Fried potato is the number one vegetable they eat. The USDA recommends that no more than 30% of a person’s calories come from fat and that cholesterol intake be limited to 300 mg/d. Growth parameters provide a good estimate of the … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DPediatrics%26rft.stitle%253DPediatrics%26rft.issn%253D0031-4005%26rft.aulast%253DMunoz%26rft.auinit1%253DK.%2BA.%26rft.volume%253D100%26rft.issue%253D3%26rft.spage%253D323%26rft.epage%253D329%26rft.atitle%253DFood%2BIntakes%2Bof%2BUS%2BChildren%2Band%2BAdolescents%2BCompared%2BWith%2BRecommendations%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1542%252Fpeds.100.3.323%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F9282700%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/ijlink?linkType=ABST&journalCode=pediatrics&resid=100/3/323&atom=%2Fpedsinreview%2F21%2F1%2F32.atom
A Domain Theoretic Approach to Higher-Order Relations

We have tried to show that the notion of inheritance leads to a natural representation of the operators of the relational algebra and that some of the basic properties of relational database theory, such as Armstrong's axioms, can be derived from some very simple domain theoretic relationships. If these ideas have any value one would expect to be able to represent other notions in database theory, such as multi-valued dependencies and the universal relation assumption within the same framework. However, given the apparent connection with Scott's “Information Systems”, a more pressing need is to work out a proper denotational semantics for relational databases.
Electrophysiological Properties of Cells in the Median Ocellus of Limulus

Two types of photoreceptors are found in the median ocellus of Limulus. One type is maximally sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) light, the other to green light; they are called UV and VIS cells, respectively. Biphasic receptor potentials, consisting of a small initial hyperpolarizing phase and a later slow depolarizing phase, can be recorded from both receptor types. These biphasic responses are elicited in UV cells in response to long-wavelength light, and in VIS cells in response to ultraviolet light. Another type of hyperpolarizing response can be recorded in UV cells: after a bright ultraviolet stimulus, the cell remains depolarized; long-wavelength light rapidly returns the membrane potential to its value preceding ultraviolet illumination (this long-wavelength-induced potential change is called a "repolarizing response"). Also, a long-wavelength stimulus superimposed during a UV stimulus elicits a sustained repolarizing response. A third cell type (arhabdomeric cell) found in the median ocellus generates large action potentials and is maximally sensitive to UV light. Biphasic responses and repolarizing responses also can be recorded from arhabdomeric cells. The retina is divided into groups of cells; both UV cells and VIS cells can occur in the same group. UV cells in the same group are electrically coupled to one another and to an arhabdomeric cell.
Glyceryl trinitrate and pentrinitrol (pentaerythritol trinitrate): comparative cardiovascular effects in dog, cat and rat by different routes of administration.

Glyceryl trinitrate (GTN, nitroglycerin) and pentrinitrol (PTN) lowered blood pressure in barbiturate-anesthetized dogs, cats and rats after i.v., intraportal vein (p.v.) and intraduodenal administration, and after oral dosing in conscious dogs and spontaneously hypertensive rats. Intravenously, GTN was more potent that PTN in each species. The separation in potency between GTN and PTN was less evident after p.v. administration, particularly in the dog, where p.v. dose-response curves to GTN and PTN were coinsident. GTN was more potent than PTN in reducing pulse pressure by the oral route in conscious dogs, although at equiactive doses PTN had a longer duration. PTN caused a greater and more persistent lowering of blood pressure than GTN after oral dosing in spontaneously hypertensive rats. In the dog, GTN and PTN had the same characteristic nitrate profile on coronary segmental resistance after i.v. or p.v. dosing, suggesting a similar mechanism by both routes. Although there is a wide separation in doses producing comparable effects by the various routes, these studies show GTN and PTN can exert their pharmacologic effects, specific for this class, by routes which necessitate passage through the liver.