cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pindar's "Nemean" XI

Pindar, perhaps more than any other ancient poet, seems to demand from his interpreters declarations of their critical premises. In recent years scholars customarily have made initial acknowledgment to the work of E. R. Bundy, as psychoanalysts must to Freud, before they begin to offer their own modifications to and expansions of his fundamental work. Much contemporary scholarship has concentrated on the identification and classification in the odes of the elements whose function Bundy labelled and explained. But useful as this type of analysis has been for exorcising the demon of biographical interpretation, it has, like all orthodoxies, prevented perception of other equally important truths. It constitutes no radical heterodoxy to try to account for the fact that each individual ode, for all its dependence on common conventions of structure and of content, makes a different impression. Nor is it unreasonable to try to explain what makes Pindar's style and approach distinctive. In my own work I have argued, though perhaps not always convincingly, that language as well as structure contributes to an ode's coherence. Scholars trained in America are more willing to assume that repetition of phrase or theme within a poem has significance, and that metaphors can simultaneously bear more than one connotation. The issues at stake have most recently been delineated by Michael Silk, in his discussion of the effect of metaphor in archaic poetry: ‘By “patent”, I mean effects whose existence is not in doubt, though their character may be disputed; by “latent”, those whose effective significance is so tenuous or marginal that one resents the impression of solidity that even mentioning them produces. Such insensitivity is more common than it should be among American classicists, many of whom have also been influenced by the “New Criticism”…’ As illustration of the erroneous American approach Silk cites Cedric Whitman's description of the thematic relation of fires in the Iliad. Silk himself avoids the trap Whitman falls into by considering only ‘patent’ metaphors, and these consistently out of context , so that there is no necessity to comment on the existence or non-existence of thematic connections among them. But it is possible—at least logically—to frame the question differently, and to ask whether a metaphor cannot have patent and latent associations at the same time.
Estimating the Prevalence of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection—New York City, 2008

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a preventable cause of liver failure, cirrhosis, and liver cancer; estimated chronic HBV infection prevalence is 0.3–0.5% in the USA. Prevalence in New York City (NYC) is likely higher because foreign-born persons, who represent 36% of NYC’s population versus 11% nationwide, bear a disproportionate burden of chronic HBV infection. However, because no comprehensive, population-based survey of chronic HBV infection has been conducted in NYC, a reliable prevalence estimate is unavailable. We used two approaches to estimate chronic HBV infection prevalence in NYC: (1) a census-based estimate, combining local and national prevalence data for specific populations, and (2) a surveillance-based estimate, using data from NYC’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Hepatitis B Surveillance Registry and adjusting for out-migration and deaths. Results from both the census-based estimate and the surveillance-based estimate were similar, with an estimated prevalence of chronic HBV in NYC of 1.2%. This estimate is two to four times the estimated prevalence for the USA as a whole. According to the census-based estimate, >93% of all cases in NYC are among persons who are foreign-born, and approximately half of those are among persons born in China. These findings underscore the importance of local data for tailoring programmatic efforts to specific foreign-born populations in NYC. In particular, Chinese-language programs and health education materials are critical. Reliable estimates are important for policymakers in local jurisdictions to better understand their own population’s needs and can help target primary care services, prevention materials, and education.
Effect of Surface Patterning and Presence of Collagen I on the Phenotypic Changes of Embryonic Stem Cell Derived Cardiomyocytes

Embryonic stem cell derived cardiomyocytes have been widely investigated for stem cell therapy or in vitro model systems. This study examines how two specific biophysical stimuli, collagen I and cell alignment, affect the phenotypes of embryonic stem cell derived cardiomyocytes in vitro. Three phenotypic indicators are assessed: sarcomere organization, cell elongation, and percentage of binucleation. Murine embryonic stem cells were differentiated in a hanging drop assay and cardiomyocytes expressing GFP-α-actinin were isolated by fluorescent sorting. First, the effect of collagen I was investigated. Addition of soluble collagen I markedly reduced binucleation as a result of an increase in cytokinesis. Laden with a collagen gel layer, myocyte mobility and cell shape change were impeded. Second, the effect of cell alignment by microcontact printing and nanopattern topography was investigated. Both patterning techniques induced cell alignment and elongation. Microcontact printing of 20 μm line pattern accelerated binucleation and nanotopography with 700 nm ridges and 3.5 μm grooves negatively regulated binucleation. This study highlights the importance of biophysical cues in the morphological changes of differentiated cardiomyocytes and may have important implications on how these cells incorporate into the native myocardium.
Assessing worker training needs in juvenile probation: a case study

Abstract Juvenile corrections is experiencing extensive change as determinant sentencing laws and guidelines are adopted across the country. Accompanying policies that decriminalize status offenses, divert minor or first offenders, and provide community-based corrections for all but the most serious offenders are policies that delimit lengths of stay and make participation in treatment programs voluntary. These trends affect knowledge and skill requirements for practice in youth corrections. This paper outlines a method for identifying worker training needs and describes an empirical study of the training needs of juvenile probation staff in a Northwestern state. A diverse set of training needs was identified. Many of the subject areas corresponding to the identified needs are currently taught in schools of criminaljustice, sociology, and social work. The paper discusses the implications of the needs assessment method and findings for staff development.
Theater as a mechanism for increasing farm health and safety knowledge.

Background The agricultural industry has one of the highest injury and fatality rates of all industries in the US. Hispanic farm workers constitute the largest percentage of farm workers on Eastern Washington farms. Literacy levels, language skills, and migration patterns need to be considered when developing farm health and safety education. Theater was chosen as a method to provide health education and farm safety training to farm workers and their families living in a three county region of Eastern Washington. Methods The most urgent health and safety education needs of Hispanic farm workers were identified by a series of focus groups and key informant interviews. The resulting data was used to develop four Spanish one-act plays, which were presented in each of the three counties. To test the effectiveness of theater as an educational tool each of the plays was accompanied by pre-and post-play self-report questionnaires. These were analyzed using two-tailed Chi-square (X 2 ) tests of significance and a one-tail Marginal Homogeneity statistic. Results A total of 301 persons completed pre-test post-test questionnaires; 185 were farm workers and 115 were local community members. Thirteen of seventeen questions designed to measure information gained directly from the plays showed a significant degree of positive knowledge change (P = <0.10). Follow-up interviews conducted 2 months after play viewing suggest that participants retain some of the health and safety messages in the plays. Conclusions The hypothesis, appropriate farm health and safety knowledge increases as a result of attendance at a one-act Spanish play enacted by a community players' group was validated since 13 of 17 questions showed a significant degree of positive knowledge change. Overall, participants indicated that they liked the plays, recalled the story lines easily, and would attend additional plays if given the opportunity.
A gene locus affecting tolerance to BGG in mice

Abstract A genetic analysis was made of the ease of tolerance induction to bovine γ-globulin (BGG) in DBA/2, BALB/c, F1 and backcross generation mice. Like parental DBA/2 mice, the F1 generation of BALB/c × DBA/2 becomes tolerant when treated with 2 mg BGG. A backcross of this F1 to DBA/2 parents produced mice that all became tolerant to this dose of BGG. A backcross of F1 mice to BALB/c parents produced 50% offspring tolerized by the same dose of BGG and 50% resistant to tolerance induction. The data suggest a single autosomal locus affecting tolerance induction. Data presented elsewhere suggest that the locus affects macrophage function. We propose that this locus be called tolerance (symbol Tol-l) and the two alleles be (Tol-la (DBA/2 type) and Tol-lb (BALB/c type) with Tol-la being dominant.
An Empirical Investigation of the Relevant Skills of Forensic Accountants

The author investigated whether views of the relevant skills of forensic accountants differ among forensic accounting practitioners, accounting academics, and users of forensic accounting services....
Online Gaming for Sustainable Common Pool Resource Management and Tragedy of the Commons Prevention

Tragedy of the commons is a well-known concept concerning the use, or rather abuse, of common pool resources. Educating those involved by teaching the long-term consequences of overuse and the benefits of sustainability is important to preserving natural resources. To study the effects that different institutions and characteristics had on participants, a web-based water sharing game called Irrigania was used as a tool to analyze different scenarios and facilitate better understanding of the externalities associated with governance and management of common pool resources in a class of graduate civil and environmental engineering students at the University of Central Florida. Game-based learning has been found to increase soft skills, such as critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and teamwork through multiple orientations of learning theory. Preliminary use of Irrigania has identified communication, cooperation, information disclosure and social learning as factors promoting a shift towards sustainable resource use.
Nutritional Value of Sainfoin Hay Compared with Alfalfa Hay

Abstract Production of milk, solids-not-fat, fat-corrected milk, milk fat, and milk protein were lower for cows on sainfoin hay than for those fed alfalfa hay in two switch-back trials. Hay and grain consumption did not differ for cows receiving the different hays. In a palatability study, 6-mo old heifers preferred sainfoin hay to alfalfa hay. Metabolism studies with mature rams gave digestible coefficients (%) of 65, 63.3, 59.2, 31.6, and 85.5 for dry matter, protein, ether extract, crude fiber, and nitrogen free extract portions of sainfoin hay. Digestibilities with steers were (%) 59.6, 44.9, 67.4, 35.1, and 72.9. Average daily gain and feed consumption did not differ for 319 kg heifers full-fed either sainfoin or alfalfa hay for 60 days.
An experimental study of sexual dichromatism in the duck Anas platyrhynchos

Skin grafts were exchanged between Rouen Ducks to determine the influence of sex genotype and the modifications induced by the hormonal environment on the coloration of feathers. The skin of both sexes responded similarly to hormones of the female, but male plumages, both breeding and “eclipse,” were produced only when both skin genotype and endocrine environment were male. Female skin grafted on males produced feathers that were “feminized.” The results show that sex differences in the skin are present at hatching and maintained through succesive generations of feathers.
Torsional Shear Strength and Size Effect in Laminated Veneer Lumber

This study investigates the effect that specimen depth has on the torsional shear strength of full-size Eastern Species Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL). Characterization of this effect is valuable for structural design purposes as well as for use in constitutive modeling when predicting member strength of one depth based on member strength of a different depth derived from testing. To this end, torsion tests were carried out on three depths (140, 184, and 235 mm) of 1.98 m long by 44 mm thick 1.9E Eastern Species LVL. The shear strength of each depth was determined based on homogeneous, orthotropic theory for beams of rectangular cross-section. Despite a perceptible trend of slightly decreasing shear strength with increasing depth, an analysis of variance test indicated that no statistically significant depth effect exists as it relates to torsional shear strength. Further, a three dimensional finite element model of the 44 mm by 140 mm specimen indicated that stresses are uniform within the shear span of 2 times the depth plus the grip distance away from each end of the specimen. The predicted average maximum shear stress in this region compared well to the maximum shear stresses obtained experimentally.
The location selection problem for the household activity pattern problem

Abstract In this paper, an integrated destination choice model based on routing and scheduling considerations of daily activities is proposed. Extending the Household Activity Pattern Problem (HAPP), the Location Selection Problem (LSP–HAPP) demonstrates how location choice is made as a simultaneous decision from interactions both with activities having predetermined locations and those with many candidate locations. A dynamic programming algorithm, developed for PDPTW, is adapted to handle a potentially sizable number of candidate locations. It is shown to be efficient for HAPP and LSP–HAPP applications. The algorithm is extended to keep arrival times as functions for mathematical programming formulations of activity-based travel models that often have time variables in the objective.
Exchange Rate Regime Choice in Central and Eastern European Transitional Economies

The article develops a model of exchange rate regime choice centered on the tradeoff between internal price stability and external competitiveness. The model allows for institutional costs of altering exchange rate arrangements. The main implication of the model is a nonlinear relationship between the rate of inflation and the choice of regime for the next period. The model also suggests that a major inflationary shock, like the one to which all Central and Eastern European economies were subject when they allowed prices to be determined by the market, should give rise to a tightening of the exchange rate regime, followed by a gradual introduction of more flexibility as inflation subsides. A series of regressions on a sample of thirteen Central and Eastern European economies yield results consistent with the hypothesis.
Methods for Correlating Autocollimation of Theodolites and Coordinate Metrology in Spacecraft Systems

This paper will discuss the details of the metrology associated with the integration and testing of spacecraft systems and scientific instruments at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (NASA GSFC). Specifically, this paper will outline the process for correlating theodolite autocollimation measurements with theodolite coordinate triangulation measurements, laser tracker coordinate measurements, photogrammetry camera system, and other coordinate measurement techniques. For theodolite autocollimation data, NASA GSFC developed a Microsoft Excel-based spreadsheet program to calculate the transformation matrices from reference cube pointing directions into spacecraft coordinates defined by physical features. The autocollimated image return from the mirrored faces of the reference cubes are measured relative to each other and define unit vectors that point in the direction perpendicular to the cube face surface. The roll, zenith, pitch, and yaw are calculated from the direction cosines of the unit vectors that define the directional pointing rotations around coordinate axes. The theodolite-based pointing vectors are then transformed to the spacecraft coordinate system. The Brunson Spatial AnalyzerTM coordinate measuring software program is used to analyze data from theodolites using triangulation on target positions, a laser tracker coordinate measuring system, a photogrammetry system or any other coordinate measuring system. All the coordinate data is tied into theodolite coordinate data by measuring common targets. To correlate theodolite autocollimation on cube faces to the point coordinate location data, one must first measure the test object with the Spatial AnalyzerTM theodolite triangulation coordinate system. From coordinate features, a spacecraft coordinate system is defined by the blueprint design. One of the Spatial AnalyzerTM theodolites is used as the primary reference for the auto-collimation measurements. This ties together the coordinate target point locations to the pointing directions of mirrored surfaces of cubes.
Securing Sensor Networks Using A Novel Multi-Channel Architecture

In many applications of sensor networks, security is a very important issue. To be resistant against the various attacks, nodes in a sensor network can establish pairwise secret keys[5], [6], [10], authenticate all communications with cryptographic functions[8], and also apply secure information aggregation schemes[13] or hop-by-hop filtering methods[14], [16]. However, these security measures can take considerable overhead in terms of storage, communication and computation, which are scarce resources in sensor nodes. Previously proposed security measures can only resist against a limited number of compromised nodes, which we define as the resistance level. In this paper, we propose a separate solution to any security measure. This technique either significantly reduces the overhead, or increases the resistance level without increasing overhead. The solution is based on a new "Mixed Multi-Channel" (MMC) architecture. In this design, each node can only use one fixed channel. The whole network is thus divided into multiple "planes" by the different planes. Exploiting the characteristics of multi-channel communication, a series of methods are proposed, such as MMC-1, MMC-k and MMC-r. We then present designs to integrate the methods with current security measures, and analyze their resistance level and energy conservation.
Diffusion and heat flow equations for the mid-latitude topside ionosphere

Abstract For application to the mid-latitude topside ionosphere, we have derived diffusion and heat flow equations for a gas mixture composed of two major ions, electrons and a number of minor ions. These equations were derived by expanding the velocity distribution of each constituent about its 13 lower order velocity moments. As a consequence, each constituent was allowed to have its own temperature and drift velocity. The restriction to mid-latitudes results because we have assumed that the species temperature and drift velocity differences were small. In deriving the diffusion and thermal conduction equations, we have discovered some new transport effects. For the major ions, we have found that: (1) a temperature gradient in either gas causes thermal diffusion in both gases; (2) a temperature gradient in either gas causes heat to flow in both gases; and (3) a relative drift between the major ion gases induces a heat flow in both gases. Similar transport effects have also been found for the minor ions.
Thoracolumbar spinal ligaments exhibit negative and transverse pre-strain

The present work represents the first reported bi-axial spinal ligament pre-strain data for the thoracic and lumbar spine. Ligament pre-strain (in-situ strain) is known to significantly alter joint biomechanics. However, there is currently a lack of comprehensive data with regards to spinal ligament pre-strain. The current work determined the pre-strain of 71 spinal ligaments (30 anterior longitudinal ligaments, 27 supraspinous ligaments and 14 interspinous ligaments). The interspinous ligament and the anterior longitudinal ligament exhibited bi-axial pre-strain distributions, demonstrating they are not uniaxial structures. The supraspinous ligament frequently exhibited large amounts of negative pre-strain or laxity suggesting it makes no mechanical contribution to spinal stability near the neutral posture. Upon implementing multi-axial pre-strain results into a finite element model of the lumbar spine, large differences in spinal biomechanics were observed. These results demonstrate the necessity of accounting for ligament pre-strain in biomechanical models. In addition, the authors present a unique experimental method for obtaining ligament pre-strain that presents a number of advantages when compared to standard techniques.
Ultraviolet-Visible Diffuse Reflection Investigation of the Thermal Decomposition of Samarium Trichloride Hexahydrate

The thermal decomposition of the hexahydrate of samarium trichloride under an air atmosphere and under low pressure has been monitored through the use of ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) diffuse reflection spectroscopy. The unique ability of lanthanide spectroscopy to investigate the near environment surrounding the samarium ion allowed for the identification of the hexa-, penta-, tetra-, tri-, di-, and monohydrates in both cases, as well as the formation of samarium oxychloride formed as the final decomposition product. The decomposition temperatures and the products observed in this report are compared to those obtained by other thermal and iso-thermal analyses of this compound, as well as the analogous decomposition of europium trichloride hexahydrate. Structural and environmental variations associated with the compounds, as indicated by the reflectance spectra, are discussed.
Generalizing the OLS and Grid Estimators

The vast majority of market valuations employ either some formal estimator such as ordinary least squares (OLS) or rely upon an informal set of rules defining the grid adjustment estimator. The success of the grid adjustment estimator suggests the data do not obey the ideal assumptions underlying OLS. However, the grid adjustment estimator's lack of a formal statistical foundation makes it difficult to use for inference and other purposes. This article demonstrates how to generalize the grid estimator and OLS to potentially obtain the best features of both. Interestingly, the generalization defines a spatial autoregression. On an empirical example the spatial autoregression outperforms the grid estimator which in turn outperforms OLS.
AMPK in myocardial infarction and diabetes: the yin/yang effect

There has been considerable progress in our understanding of cardiac cell metabolism in health and disease, yet important gaps remain in basic knowledge and its translation to clinical care. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) functions either to conserve ATP or to promote alternative methods of ATP generation. Since the discovery of AMPK more than three decades ago and demonstration of its expression in the heart, interest has grown exponentially in this major fuel gauge as a modulator of the cellular response to ischemia. Such pathway may potentially explain the strong association between metabolic syndrome and ischemic heart disease. Still missing from our most recent cardiology textbooks, this article aims to summarize our understanding so far of the role of AMPK in coordinating the cellular response to ischemic stress and reperfusion injury in the heart. We aim to provide a focused update on the pharmacological agents activating AMPK for treatment of diabetes that show potential cardioprotective effects. Our hope is to stimulate future researchers to the potential benefits of harnessing the AMPK signaling pathway, or better one of its novel downstream targets for the treatment of myocardial ischemia.
Bladder neck contracture after radical retropubic prostatectomy using an intussuscepted vesico-urethral anastomosis: incidence with long-term follow-up

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the incidence of bladder neck contracture (BNC), a known complication of radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP), after a 9-year experience by one surgeon using a novel approach to lower urinary tract reconstruction, the intussuscepted vesico-urethral anastomosis (IVUA). PATIENTS AND METHODS After institutional review board approval, the charts of 406 patients who had RRP for clinically localized prostate cancer from March 1998 to July 2007 were reviewed retrospectively. All patients had lower urinary tract reconstruction using the IVUA technique, which involves a looped urethral suture using six double-armed sutures that are drawn ‘inside-to-out’ from staggered points on the urethral stump through the bladder neck opening. When the sutures are tied down, the urethra is intussuscepted into the bladder neck opening. RESULTS At a median follow-up of 48 months, three patients developed BNC: one was at increased risk secondary to a previous TURP; one had his catheter removed on the second day after RRP in the presence of a suprapubic tube and developed a BNC at his ‘dry’ anastomosis; and one with no risk factors developed a BNC. Balloon dilatation, laser incision and self obturation were successful in stabilizing the strictures while preserving continence. Overall, the incidence of BNC in this series was three of 406 (0.74%). CONCLUSIONS IVUA gives a lower incidence of BNC over a long-term follow-up than rates cited in previous reports. IVUA is a valuable technique for lower urinary tract reconstruction in patients undergoing RRP.
Introduction: New Media Across Cultures—Prospect and Promise

The worldwide explosion of new media technologies is uniquely situated at the crossroads of interpersonal, intercultural and mass communication. Information and communications technologies (ICTs), ...
Analysis and Regionalization of the Diurnal Distribution of Tornadoes in the United States

Abstract The central and eastern United States is divided into 157 overlapping square cells. Within each cell, the tornadoes that occurred from 1916 to 1964 are summed in 1-hr increments. The resulting histograms are subjected to harmonic analysis. The spatial distributions of the reduction of variance and phase angles of the harmonic components suggest substantial variation in the diurnal distribution of tornadoes. However, only two groups can be definitely isolated. The Fourier representations of the histograms are classified numerically. From this analysis, three main diurnal distribution types and eight subtypes emerge. A preliminary attempt to account for these diurnal distributions is made; however, the degree of success is not notable and much work remains to be done.
Disruption of dissociated learning in a discrimination paradigm by emotionally-important stimuli.

Dissociated Learning was demonstrated and disrupted in a modified T-maze escape learning task, using male hooded rats. The Dissociation group was trained each day to run in one direction while in the D state (Librium, 15mg/kg) and in the poposite direction when in the ND (sterile water) state. For the Transfer group, a 10 kHz tone was paired with foot shock during training in the D state, and 1 kHz tone was paired with foot shock in the ND state. Dissociated responding occurred in non-shock testing sessions for the Dissociation group. The tone-drug state pairings were reversed during testing for the Transfer group, and these Ss turned in the direction signalled by the tone as often as Dissociation Ss turned in the drug state direction (p<0.01). The tones acquired the aversive-motivational characteristics of foot shock and disrupted dissociated learning by mediating transfer between drug states.
Adaptive Resolution Upconversion for Compressed Video Using Pixel Classification

A novel adaptive resolution upconversion algorithm that is robust to compression artifacts is proposed. This method is based on classification of local image patterns using both structure information and activity measure to explicitly distinguish pixels into content or coding artifacts. The structure information is represented by adaptive dynamic-range coding and the activity measure is the combination of local entropy and dynamic range. For each pattern class, the weighting coefficients of upscaling are optimized by a least-mean-square (LMS) training technique, which trains on the combination of the original images and the compressed downsampled versions of the original images. Experimental results show that our proposed upconversion approach outperforms other classification-based upconversion and artifact reduction techniques in concatenation.
Functional properties of hydrothermally cooked soy protein products

The effects of hydrothermal cooking on the functional properties of defatted soy flour, aqueous alcohol washed soy protein concentrate, and soy protein isolate were determined in samples that were treated at 154°C by infusing steam under pressure for 11, 19, 30, and 42 s, and then spray dried. Hydrothermal cooking increased the nitrogen solubility index (NSI) of the concentrate from 15 to 56% and altered the solubility profile from a flat profile to one more typical of native soy protein. Hydrothermal cooking also improved foaming and emulsifying properties of the concentrate. For isolate, hydrothermal cooking also improved NSI and foaming and emulsifying properties, although the improvements were less dramatic than with concentrate. NSI and emulsifying properties of the flour were improved by some processing conditions, but foaming properties were not improved by hydrothermal cooking. Dramatically increased protein solubility of concentrate and modestly improved protein solubilities of flour and isolate by hydrothermal cooking, which will also inactivate trypsin inhibitors and microorganisms, have considerable practical significance to protein ingredient manufacturers and those who use these ingredients in foods and industrial products.
Qual o efeito da redução da hiperuricemia nos eventos cardiovasculares? Revisão baseada na evidência

Resumo Introducao Niveis elevados de acido urico (AU) tem sido associados a doenca cardiovascular ( CV ), mas o papel deste como fator de risco independente e controverso. O tratamento da hiperuricemia pode ser relevante na abordagem do risco CV. Objetivo Rever a evidencia do tratamento com alopurinol, em doentes com hiperuricemia, na reducao de eventos cardiovasculares. Metodologia Pesquisa de ensaios clinicos controlados aleatorizados (ECA), estudos coorte (EC) e caso‐controlo (CC), meta‐analises, revisoes sistematicas e normas de orientacao, publicados entre janeiro/2002 e dezembro/2013, em bases de dados cientificas. O nivel de evidencia e a forca de recomendacao foram atribuidos de acordo com escalas pre‐definidas pela Sociedade Europeia de Cardiologia. Resultados De 46 artigos foram incluidos um ECA, tresEC e um CC. No ECA o tratamento com alopurinol versus grupo controlo diminuiu em 71% os eventos cardiovasculares em doentes com insuficiencia renal cronica moderada (NE B). Num dos EC, doentes tratados com doses altas tiveram uma reducao mais significativa do risco de eventos CV (NE B). Os outros dois EC realizados em doentes com insuficiencia cardiaca (IC) verificaram beneficios identicos em doentes tratados com doses elevadas de alopurinol (NE B). No estudo CC, em doentes com IC e historia de gota o tratamento com alopurinol reduziu internamentos/mortalidade por IC (NE B). Discussao O tratamento prolongado com doses elevadas de alopurinol pode estar associado a uma reducao da morbimortalidade CV em populacoes de risco (Classe de Recomendacao IIa). Sao necessarios mais estudos que avaliem os efeitos da terapeutica com alopurinol na diminuicao de eventos CV em doentes sem risco.
Agglomerative connectivity constrained clustering for image segmentation

We consider the problem of clustering under the constraint that data points in the same cluster are connected according to a pre-existed graph. This constraint can be efficiently addressed by an agglomerative clustering approach, which we exploit to construct a new fully automatic segmentation algorithm for color photographs. For image segmentation, if the pixel grid with eight neighbor connectivity is imposed as the graph, each group of pixels generated by this clustering method is ensured to be a geometrically connected region in the image, a desirable trait for many subsequent operations. To achieve scalability for images with large sizes, the segmentation algorithm combines the top-down k-means clustering with the bottom-up agglomerative clustering method. We also find that it is advantageous to conduct clustering at multiple stages through which the similarity measure is adjusted. Experimental results with comparison to other widely used and state-of-the-art segmentation methods show that the new algorithm achieves higher accuracy at much faster speed. A software package is provided for public access. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Statistical Analysis and Data Mining 4: 84–99 2011 © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Diffusion Delay in Frog Skin Connective Tissue: a Source of Error in Tracer Investigations

PREVIOUS investigations of tracer kinetics across frog skin have assumed that the connective tissue layer of the corium does not present a significant diffusion barrier1,2. Thus, a simple analysis assuming a one-compartment model was used to estimate the sodium pool size and the fluxes across the epithelial cell borders. However, the present experiments indicate that the connective tissue layer is a significant diffusion barrier.
Biochemical genetic detection of natural and artificial hybridization of chinook and coho salmon in Northern California

Abstract Allelic products of seven isozyme loci were used to identify presumptive hybridization between chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha and coho salmon O. kisutch in northern California. First-generation hybrid salmon (N = 3) were observed in samples from a tributary creek to the Trinity River; from rearing ponds at Camp Creek, a tributary to the Klamath River (N = 14); and from the ocean salmon fishery near Eureka (N = 2). The sample from the Camp Creek rearing ponds consisted of progeny from an inadvertent cross of coho and chinook salmon by hatchery personnel at the Irongate Hatchery. In addition to the artificial production of hybrid salmon at Irongate Hatchery, the alteration of traditional salmon spawning routes by Lewiston Dam on the Trinity River may have lead to natural hybridization between chinook and coho salmon in Deadwood Creek. Accurate quantification of the occurrence of hybridization was impossible due to nonrandom sampling of populations, but we presume to have underestimated the...
Determination of 15N Nitrate and Nitrite in Spiked Natural Waters

Dissolved 15N nitrate and 15N nitrite were determined by derivatization of 15NO2- with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (2,4-DNPH), followed by FT-IR spectrophotometric analysis of the resulting 15N azid...
Wear simulation of the ProDisc-L disc replacement using adaptive finite element analysis.

Object. An understanding of the wear potential of total disc replacements (TDRs) is critical as these new devices are increasingly introduced into clinical practice. The authors analyzed the wear potential of a ProDisc-L implant using an adaptive finite element (FE) technique in a computational simulation representing a physical wear test. Methods. The framework for calculating abrasive wear, first validated using a model of a total hip replacement (THR), was then used to model the ProDisc-L polyethylene component that is fixed to the inferior endplate and articulates with the rigid superior endplate. Proposed standards for spine wear testing protocols specified the inputs of flexion–extension (6/−3°), lateral bending (± 2°), axial twist (± 1.5°), and axial load (200–1750 N or 600–2000 N) applied to the model through 10 million simulation cycles. The model was calibrated with a wear coefficient determined from an experimental wear test. Implicit FE analyses were then performed for variations in coefficien...
Student Evaluations of Teaching: An Exploratory Study of the Faculty Response

Student evaluation of teaching instruments are commonly administered by universities to presumably provide feedback to faculty for improvement of teaching effectiveness. Instead, these measures are routinely used as a basis for determining faculty merit, promotion, and tenure, making the instruments vitally important to faculty. As a result, some faculty members may engage in various activities designed specifically to affect student ratings on teaching evaluations rather than to improve instruction, although no known research exists about the extent of such influencing activities. The purpose of this research is to begin the exploration of marketing faculty perceptions about, and problems with, student evaluations of teaching and perceived efforts to influence the measure. Furthermore, this study seeks to define categories of faculty activities and behaviors that may be used to influence student evaluations of teaching ratings and to identify possible solutions.
Next generation infrared sensor instrumentation: remote sensing and sensor networks using the openPHOTONS repository

We describe our novel instrumentation architectures for infrared laser spectrometers. Compact, power efficient, low noise modules allow for optimized implementation of cell phone sized sensors using VCSELs, diode, and quantum cascade laser sources. These sensors can consume as little as 0.3W with full laser temperature (<0.001K/Hz1/2) and current control (<2ppm/Hz1/2 noise), photodiode preamplification (<2pA/Hz1/2 noise floor, 1MΩ transimpedance), and digital lock-in amplification with 3 independent channels. We have implemented sensors based on laser absorption spectroscopy, photoacoustic spectroscopy, and Faraday rotation spectroscopy using the openPHOTONS systems, with performance rivaling standalone laboratory measurement instrumentation. Additionally, as openPHOTONS is an open source software repository, this instrumentation can be quickly adapted to new optical configurations and applications. Such modules allow the development of flexible sensors, whether implementing closed path spectrometers, open path perimeter monitoring, or remote backscatter based sensors. This work is also the enabling technology for wireless sensor networks (WSN) of precision sensors, a desirable sensing paradigm for long term, wide area, precision, temporally and spatially resolved studies. This approach can complement existing remote sensing and mapping technologies including satellite observations and sparse networks of flux towers.
An UWB CMOS impulse radar

This paper presents an integrated UWB shortrange impulse radar implemented in a 130 nm CMOS process. The transmitter can digitally generate various waveforms with up to 10 GHz bandwidth at 5 dBm peak power. The receiver utilizes a time interleaved scheme to support a 20 GS/s effective sampling rate. Sample-domain averaging of multiple identical received waveforms reduces the required digitization rate and corresponding power consumption. Sampling clocks for the time interleaved samplers are generated using independent delay locked loops that are locked to the same reference. Measurement results of the individual blocks as well as the entire system are presented.
EFFECT OF SILICA POLYMERIZATION ON THE OXALATE-PROMOTED DISSOLUTION OF GOETHITE

Numerous studies have investigated the ligand-promoted dissolution of Fe (oxyhydr)oxides. In natural environments, inorganic ligands can compete with organic ligands for surface sites on (oxyhydr)oxides which may influence dissolution rates. Published research of this interaction and its effect on the dissolution of (oxyhydr)oxides is rare. The objective of the present study was to examine the extent to which silica, as a naturally occurring competitive ligand added in the form of silicic acid, impacts the oxalate-promoted dissolution of the common soil Fe (oxyhydr)oxide goethite. Sorbed silica reduced the oxalate-promoted dissolution rate of goethite at all surface coverages investigated. As initial silica solution concentrations increased from 0.50 mM to 5.0 mM, relatively little change in the dissolution rate was observed. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra indicated that, as silica-surface coverages increased, the silica underwent polymerization on the goethite surface. Initially, silicate was associated with surface functional groups, but as polymerization occurred some of the silica appeared to desorb from the goethite surface without being released into the bulk solution, suggesting that silica polymers formed discrete islands or surface clusters that grew away from the goethite surface rather than expanding epitaxially across the surface. Minimal changes were observed in the quantity of reactive goethite surface, which is responsible for the observed dissolution rates, as silica-surface coverages increased.
Sex differences in the identity formation of college students from divorced families

This study was desgined to examine gender differences in identity formation in late adolescents from divorced mother-custody families. Fifty-seven female and thirty-nine male college students ranging in age from 17 to 25 years completed the Child's Report of Parental Behavior [E. S. Schaeffer (1965) “Children's Reports of Parental Behavior: An Inventory,” Child Development, Vol. 36, pp. 412–482] and were interviewed using the J. E. Marcia [(1966) “Development and Validation of Ego Identity Status,” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Vol. 3, pp. 551–558] semistructured Identity Status Interview. While no differences between males and females were found in ratings of overall identity status, significantly more females were in the achieved category within the domains of occupation and attitudes toward premarital sex. Also, males perceived their mothers as significantly more accepting and less controlling than did females. The absence of the father and the altered role of the mother appear to have a differential impact on males and females who have grown up in mother-custody families. Implications of these and other findings are discussed.
Biosocial models of deviant behavior among male army veterans

Measures of hormones (testosterone, cortisol and thyroxin) and of deviant or antisocial behavior are examined in a sample of 4179 Vietnam veterans. Hormone levels were found to vary with veterans' age, social status and race, and all three hormones were significantly related to deviant behavior. Biosocial models, combining hormonal variables with social background variables, tended to explain more variance in deviance than did traditional models based on social background alone. Several propositions regarding hormones and behavior were assessed. While the role of hormones in causing deviance remains unclear, it is argued that hormones should be included in models of deviant behavior.
Very Low Nicotine Content Cigarettes and Potential Consequences on Cardiovascular Disease

Cigarette smoking remains highly prevalent in the U.S. and contributes significantly to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Tobacco control policies, including product regulation, can reduce smoking-related harm. One approach being considered in the U.S. is for the FDA to set a low nicotine standard for cigarettes. Such a standard could result in multiple beneficial outcomes including reduced cardiovascular toxicity related to nicotine, reduced smoking intensity in current smokers, increased cessation rates, decreased development of smoking dependence in youth, and decreased passive smoke exposure. Consequently, CVD risk in the U.S. could be dramatically improved by nicotine reduction in cigarettes. Possible pathways linking nicotine reduction in cigarettes to decreased CVD risk are discussed, while potential unintended consequences that could offset expected gains are also presented. Gaps in the literature, including limited data on CVD biomarkers and long-term CVD outcomes following the use of very low nicotine cigarettes, are discussed to highlight areas for new research.
Firing and Cooling Shrinkage Behavior of Structural Clay Bodies

Length change determinations on nineteen sewer pipe bodies were used to study the shrinkage of structural clays. Determinations over both heating and cooling cycles were included. Many of these materials are used in the production of other structural clay products and they represent mixes of shales and clays commonly used throughout the industry. The data consequently are of interest to all producers of structural clay products. A description of the techniques employed in securing the data, as well as a discussion and interpretation of the results, is given. Particular emphasis is placed on the possibility of conserving fuel and firing time, as well as reducing rejects, by applying information obtained. It was found that nearly all the shrinkage occurs in a very small portion of the total firing cycle, and that there are periods of slight volume change where considerations of shrinkage are of small consequence in firing.
High heat load synchrotron optics

Third generation synchrotron radiation sources currently being constructed worldwide will produce x-ray beams of unparalleled power and power density these high heat fluxes coupled with the stringent dimensional requirements of the x-ray optical components pose a prodigious challenge to designers of x-ray optical elements, specifically x-ray mirrors and crystal monochromators. Although certain established techniques for the cooling of high heat flux components can be directly applied to this problem, the thermal management of high heat load x-ray optical components has several unusual aspects that may ultimately lead to unique solutions. This manuscript attempts to summarize the various approaches currently being applied to this undertaking and to point out the areas of research that require further development.
Hydrogen peroxide at the Bermuda Atlantic Time Series Station: Temporal variability of seawater hydrogen peroxide

Abstract Hydrogen peroxide concentrations, production rates and decomposition rates were measured during each of two 3-week cruises in August 1999 and March 2000 at the Bermuda Atlantic Time Series Station. Patterns of variation in the concentrations of hydrogen peroxide in surface seawater at BATS were drastically different in August of 1999 compared with March of 2000. In August, hydrogen peroxide concentrations were primarily controlled by input from rain, whereas in March, they were controlled by photochemical processes and showed diurnal variations. The highest concentrations in surface water in August followed rain events, whereas in March, they occurred at approximately 1400 after rapid photochemical production. This production in March was followed by an equally rapid loss of H2O2, probably driven by a secondary photochemical process, then by much slower decline at night. The combination of photochemical production and consumption processes resulted in a steady-state system over a 24-h period in March but not August. The dark decomposition of surface water hydrogen peroxide incubated in storage experiments was the same during both August and March and followed first order kinetics with a rate constant of 0.009 h− 1. This was in remarkably good agreement with the decay of the atmospheric hydrogen peroxide signal in surface seawater observed in August. The comparable rate constant for deep water from 200 m was about one-third of that for BATS surface seawater in March. Because filtered seawater had lower production rates than unfiltered seawater from the same depth, biological production may contribute to surface seawater hydrogen peroxide at BATS during the March spring plankton bloom, but it is not the dominant source.