cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Family Conflict and Family Privacy: The Constitutional Violation in Terri Schiavo's Death

The public understanding of Terri Schiavo's death was refracted through the polarized politics of the abortion wars. By the time the Florida legislature intervened in her case in 2004 and the United States Congress followed suit in 2005, the debate surrounding her had become hardened into the familiar antagonisms of our times-religion vs. secularism, pro-life vs. prochoice, liberals vs. conservatives. On the left, the claim was that Terri had chosen to end her life rather than endure the endless limbo of her persistent vegetative state but that outsiders were attempting to force their own conception of a "life worth living" on her; on the right, the claim was that Terri's medical condition was uncertain, that she might benefit from some further therapy, and that her "right to life" was being scorned by those pressing for removal of her feeding tube. This stylized conflict obscured a more immediate issue at stake in Terri's case. This issue was presented by the family conflict between Terri's husband, Michael Schiavo, and her parents, Robert and Mary Schindler, about the continuance of Terri's life-prolonging medical treatment. The issue was not the substantive disagreement between them but the simple fact of their conflict regardless of its merits. By the time of Terri's death, this conflict had escalated beyond any sensible proportions and beyond even the most remote possibility of reconciliation between them. Thus after Terri's death, following the removal of her feeding tube as Michael had sought, her parents were not in-
Associations of Self-Reported Oral Health with Physical and Mental Health in a Nationally Representative Sample of HIV Persons Receiving Medical Care

Background: The impact of oral health on HIV patients has not been sufficiently documented. Objective: To estimate the associations between measures of oral and generic health-related quality of life in persons receiving medical care for HIV. Design: This is a longitudinal study of interview data collected in a probability sample of adults with HIV receiving health care in the US. The data were collected at three points in time. Patients: Two thousand eight hundred and sixty-four HIV-infected adults using medical care. Measurements: Physical and mental health were assessed using 28 items and oral health was assessed using seven items on oral-related pain and discomfort, worry, appearance, and function. Clinical measures included CD4 count, oral symptoms, physical symptoms, and stage of HIV. Physical functioning and emotional well-being were measured on a 0–100 scale with higher scores indicating better health. Oral health was measured using seven items with a five point scale. Results: In multivariate analyses, oral symptoms had the strongest association with oral health-related quality of life. Each additional oral symptom was associated with an average decrease in oral health (0–100 possible range) of 3.97 points (p = 0.000). In addition, oral health was significantly associated with both physical and mental health. A one-point increase in oral health was associated with a 0.05 (p = 0.000) increase in mental health and 0.02 increase in physical health (p = 0.031). Conclusions: Oral health is strongly associated with physical and mental health but provides noteworthy unique information in persons with HIV infection. Thus, physical and mental health measures of HIV patients should incorporate indicators of oral functioning and well-being.
A de novo designed helix-turn-helix peptide forms nontoxic amyloid fibrils

We report here that a monomeric de novo designed alpha-helix-turn-alpha-helix peptide, alpha t alpha, when incubated at 37 degrees C in an aqueous buffer at neutral pH, forms nonbranching, protease resistant fibrils that are 6-10 nm in diameter. These fibrils are rich in beta-sheet and bind the amyloidophilic dye Congo red. alpha t alpha fibrils thus display the morphologic, structural, and tinctorial properties of authentic amyloid fibrils. Surprisingly, unlike fibrils formed by peptides such as the amyloid beta-protein or the islet amyloid polypeptide, alpha t alpha fibrils were not toxic to cultured rat primary cortical neurons or PC12 cells. These results suggest that the potential to form fibrils under physiologic conditions is not limited to those proteins associated with amyloidoses and that fibril formation alone is not predictive of cytotoxic activity.
Neutron Scattering—A Non-destructive Microscope for Seeing Inside Matter

How can we determine the relative positions and motions of atoms in a bulk sample of solid or liquid? Somehow we need to be able to see inside the sample with a suitable magnifying glass. It turns out that neutrons provide us with this capability. They have no charge, and their electric dipole moment is either zero or too small to measure. For these reasons, neutrons can penetrate matter far better than charged particles. Furthermore, neutrons interact with atoms via nuclear rather than electrical forces, and nuclear forces are very short range—on the order of a few femtometers (i.e., a few times 10−15 m). Thus, as far as the neutron is concerned, solid matter is not very dense because the size of a scattering center (i.e., a nucleus) is typically 100,000 times smaller than the distance between centers. As a consequence, neutrons can travel large distances through most materials without being scattered or absorbed. The attenuation, or decrease in intensity, of a beam of neutrons by aluminum, for example, is about 1% per millimeter compared with 99% per millimeter or more for X-rays. Figure 2.1 illustrates just how easily neutrons penetrate various materials compared with X-rays or electrons. Like so many other things in life, the neutron’s penetrating power is a doubleedged sword. On the plus side, the neutron can penetrate deep within a sample even if it first has to pass through a container (such as would be required for a liquid or powder sample, for example, or if the sample had to be maintained at low temperature or high pressure). The corollary is that neutrons are only weakly scattered once they do penetrate. To make matters worse, available neutron beams have inherently low intensities. X-ray instruments at synchrotron sources can provide fluxes of 1018 photons per second per square millimeter compared with 104 neutrons per second per square millimeter in the same energy bandwidth even at the most powerful continuous neutron sources. The combination of weak interactions and low fluxes make neutron scattering a signal-limited technique, which is practiced only because it provides information about the structure of materials that cannot be obtained in simpler, less expen-
Spectral technique for simulation of circuits and systems

The spectral algorithm for simulation of circuits can be divided into the following steps: linearize circuit equations with the use of the Newton-Kantorovich approach, substitute Chebyshev expansions (for all variables) to linearized equations, construct the equations for the expansion coefficients, solve the resulting equations, evaluate the variables (i.e. perform inverse Chebyshev transformations) needed in monitoring convergence and reiterate if convergence is not achieved. The algorithm was implemented in the form of a prototype program to test its basic features. The results of testing were positive and it was decided to begin work on development of a simulator. The simulator is coded in C++ and its prototype version called "SPEC" is near completion.
Parametric oscillator: a grating-coupled CdSe OPO

The device reported is a CdSe OPO using no dichroic elements which produces 2-mJ pulses at 16 ..mu..m with a 0.3-cm/sup -1/ bandwidth. The cavity was designed to be tunable in the 15.5 to 16.5-..mu..m range. The useful life is now approximately 10/sup 4/ pulses, limited by grating damage. The pump laser is the HF oscillator--amplifier previously described. The only significant change made in the HF pump was to increase the focal lengths of the beam expander lenses by a factor of 2, allowing the use of a larger spatial filter and achievement of pump energies up to 100 mJ.
Laparoscopic versus open peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion for the management of pediatric acute kidney injury

Acute pediatric dialysis is provided by a single center in New Zealand. Most acute dialysis in our center is performed in the under 5 age group. The advantage of using peritoneal dialysis (PD) in these children is the ability to perform continuous renal replacement therapy without always requiring an ICU setting, avoiding central venous access and promoting greater cardiovascular stability. The disadvantage of PD in the acute setting includes the requirement for immediate use and the potential for early leaks due to peritoneal disruption with resulting delayed use and restricted volumes. There is a growing trend toward minimally invasive surgery and the laparoscopic method allows this. Surgeons at this center have been using a laparoscopic technique since 2005. We performed a 10-year review of acute PD at the Starship Hospital from 2003 to 2013. Data on 102 children who met the criteria were collected. These 102 children had 113 acute PD catheters. The two groups were comparable in terms of age and reason for presentation. The median age of the laparoscopic group was 2 years (interquartile range [IQR] 6) and the open group was 3 years (IQR 3.2). The predominant diagnosis for both groups was hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) accounting for 71 % of laparoscopic cases, and 72 % of open cases. The incidence of infection was 0 % versus 7 % in the laparoscopic versus open approach. Ten percent of patients required further manipulation of the catheter after initial insertion in the laparoscopic group, compared with 11 % in the open approach. Conversion to hemodialysis (HD) due to catheter-related complications was seen in 10 % of laparoscopic cases and 9 % of the open cases. Dialysate fluid leak was noted in 26 % in the laparoscopic group compared with 11 % in the open group (p = 0.08). Anesthesia time is longer in the laparoscopic group (p = 0.008). We found no significant differences in complication rates between laparoscopic and open surgical approaches regarding acute PD catheter insertion. We saw a trend in increased leakage with laparoscopic procedures and a significantly longer operative time. We concluded that the laparoscopic approach in the acute situation for emergency dialysis is safe and effective.
The cube data model: a conceptual model and algebra for on-line analytical processing in data warehouses

Abstract Data warehousing and On-Line Analytical Processing (OLAP) are two of the most significant new technologies in the business data processing arena. A data warehouse can be defined as a “very large” repository of historical data pertaining to an organization. OLAP refers to the technique of performing complex analysis over the information stored in a data warehouse. The complexity of queries required to support OLAP applications makes it difficult to implement using standard relational database technology. Moreover, there is currently no standard conceptual model for OLAP. There is clearly a need for such a model and an algebra as evidenced by the numerous SQL extensions offered by many vendors of OLAP products. In this paper, we address this issue by proposing a model of a data cube and an algebra to support OLAP operations on this cube. The model we present is simple and intuitive, and the algebra provides a means to concisely express complex OLAP queries.
On the temporal character and regionality of the Arctic Oscillation

Decadal differences between the 1990s and 1980s in winter (JFM) sea-level pressure and 300 mb zonal winds have an Arctic-centered character with nearly equal contributions from the Atlantic and Pacific sectors. In contrast, the differences between positive and negative Arctic Oscillation (AO) composites defined from monthly values of Principal Components from the same period have similar magnitudes in the Pacific and Arctic, but have an additional large North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) signature in the Atlantic sector. Thus Arctic changes on decadal scales are more symmetric with the pole than suggested by the standard AO index definition. Change point analysis of the AO shows that a shift in value near 1989 is an alternate hypothesis to a linear trend. Analysis of zonal and meridional winds by longitudinal sectors shows the importance of the standing wave pattern in interpreting the AO, which supplements the view of the AO as a simple zonal average (annular) mode.
Slightly tilted vortices

Abstract A magnetic field is applied nearly perpendicular to a semi-infinite superconducting film. The upper critical field is shown to increase from Hc2 by the fourth power of the angle of deviation from perpendicular, and the surface sheath thickness varies as the inverse square of this angle.
SYNTHESIS OF NEW CHIRAL LIGANDS AND THEIR GROUP VI METAL ALKYLIDENE COMPLEXES

The new chelating chiral diol ligands (1S,2S)- and (1R,2R)-1,2-bis(2-hydroxy-2,2-bis(trifluoromethyl)ethyl)cyclopentane (TBEC-H2; 1) were synthesized. The dilithium alkoxide of TBEC was reacted with Mo(CHCMe2Ph)(NAr)(OTf)2dme (2; Ar = 2,6-(i-Pr)2C6H3) to give the chiral alkylidene complex Mo(CHCMe2Ph)(NAr)(TBEC) (3). The ligand also reacts with W(η2-diphenylcyclopropene)Cl2(O)[P(OMe)3]2 (4), W(CHCHCOCH2CH2CH2O)(O)Cl2[P(OMe)3] (5), and W(CHCHCPh2)(NAr)Cl2[P(OMe)3]2 (6; Ar = 2,6-(i-Pr)2C6H3) to the give stable corresponding tungsten oxo vinylalkylidene complexes and tungsten amide vinylalkylidene complexes, respectively. These group VI alkylidene complexes show excellent catalytic activity in both ring-opening metathesis polymerization and in ring-closing metathesis processes.
The solubility of U3O8·xH2O in perchloric acid at 25°C☆

Abstract The solubility of U3O8·xH2O was measured in dilute perchloric acid solution and in water at 25°. Apparently this oxide is unstable in sodium hydroxide solutions as evidenced by the colour change from violet to a yellow resembling that of UO3.
A testbed for configuration management policy programming

Even though the number and variety of available configuration management systems has grown rapidly in the past few years, the need for new configuration management systems still remains. Driving this need are the emergence of situations requiring highly specialized solutions, the demand for management of artifacts other than traditional source code and the exploration of entirely new research questions in configuration management. Complicating the picture is the trend toward organizational structures that involve personnel working at physically separate sites. We have developed a testbed to support the rapid development of configuration management systems. The testbed separates configuration management repositories (i.e., the stores for versions of artifacts) from configuration management policies (i.e., the procedures, according to which the versions are manipulated) by providing a generic model of a distributed repository and an associated programmatic interface. Specific configuration management policies are programmed as unique extensions to the generic interface, while the underlying distributed repository is reused across different policies. The authors describe the repository model and its interface and present their experience in using a prototype of the testbed, called NUCM, to implement a variety of configuration management systems.
The isotopic compositions of selected crude oil PAHs during biodegradation

Abstract Compound specific isotope analysis (CSIA) has been used to measure the δ13C of selected individual polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from a crude oil that was exposed to enhanced microbial biodegradation. Twenty-one liters of a crude oil were introduced to series of separate 5 m×5 m wetland plots along the San Jacinto River, Texas. Smaller grids were established within each area to serve as control plots, plots for addition with nitrogen fertilizer, or as plots for addition with petroleum degrading microbes. Samples of randomly selected, oil impacted soils were collected at 4, 28, and 56 days after oil inoculation. These samples initially were analyzed using GC/MS for identification of PAH compounds. The initial results on the soils indicated a tendency for samples to shift from low and high molecular weight PAH compounds to eventually predominantly high molecular weight compounds. Fifteen specific PAH compounds, including two containing sulfur, were selected for compound specific isotope analysis based on chromatography and expected abundance in the soils. Five alkylated components, a dimethylnaphthalene, two trimethylnaphthalenes, a methyldibenzothiophene, and a dimethylphenanthrene, were seen to be best resolved and are suggested to be the most reliable for observations of isotopic changes during biodegradation. Isotopic variability during the treatment period follows patterns with an overall trend toward enrichment in the residual PAH pool of 2–8‰. All treatment grids, including the control, underwent isotopic alteration throughout the duration of the experiments. ANOVA testing of the isotopic results indicated that the control grids showed the smallest amount of changes over time, whereas the nutrient and microbe amended grids were not significantly different from each other. Although the trends on isotopic enrichments were predictable, the magnitude of changes was not. One additional finding indicated that time trials beyond 2-month periods were needed to determine if nutrient or microbial additions are advantageous for PAH biodegradation in wetland soils. The results of these tests highlight the importance of understanding the magnitude and direction of isotopic variations in PAH compounds as part of investigations aimed at tracing these compounds from potential sources.
Serial inhibitory synapses in retina

Whole-cell voltage clamp in the retinal slice and intracellular current clamp in the intact retina were used to study inhibitory interactions in the inner plexiform layer. Picrotoxin or strychnine reduced inhibitory, light-evoked currents in a majority of ganglion cells. However, in nearly a third of the ganglion cells, each of these antagonists enhanced the inhibitory synaptic current. All inhibitory current was blocked by the addition of the other antagonist. This indicates a cross-inhibition between GABAergic and glycinergic feedforward pathways. Blocking of GABAARs with SR95531 shortened the time course of both excitatory and inhibitory synaptic currents in ganglion cells. Application of picrotoxin, which blocked both GABAARs and GABACRs, produced the opposite effect. Recordings in the intact retina indicated that the light responses of ON bipolar cells, sustained ON, and transient ON-OFF third-order neurons were all made more transient by SR95531 and made more sustained by picrotoxin. The data suggest that a GABAC feedback pathway to bipolar cells makes light responses more phasic and that this feedback is inhibited through a GABAAR pathway. Consequently, the balance between GABAAR and GABACR inhibition regulates the time course of inputs to ganglion cells.
Bile salt–induced pro‐oxidant liver damage promotes transplanted cell proliferation for correcting Wilson disease in the Long‐Evans Cinnamon rat model

Insights into disease-specific mechanisms for liver repopulation are needed for cell therapy. To understand the efficacy of pro-oxidant hepatic perturbations in Wilson disease, we studied Long-Evans Cinnamon (LEC) rats with copper toxicosis under several conditions. Hepatocytes from healthy Long-Evans Agouti (LEA) rats were transplanted intrasplenically into the liver. A cure was defined as lowering of copper to below 250 microg/g liver, presence of ATPase, Cu++ transporting, beta polypeptide (atp7b) messenger RNA (mRNA) in the liver and improvement in liver histology. Treatment of animals with the hydrophobic bile salt, cholic acid, or liver radiation before cell transplantation produced cure rates of 14% and 33%, respectively; whereas liver radiation plus partial hepatectomy followed by cell transplantation proved more effective, with cure in 55%, P < 0.01; and liver radiation plus cholic acid followed by cell transplantation was most effective, with cure in 75%, P < 0.001. As a group, cell therapy cures in rats preconditioned with liver radiation plus cholic acid resulted in less hepatic copper, indicating greater extent of liver repopulation. We observed increased hepatic catalase and superoxide dismutase activities in LEC rats, suggesting chronic oxidative stress. After liver radiation or cholic acid, hepatic lipid peroxidation levels increased, indicating further oxidative injury, although we did not observe overt additional cytotoxicity. This contrasted with healthy animals in which liver radiation and cholic acid produced hepatic steatosis and loss of injured hepatocytes. We concluded that pro-oxidant perturbations were uniquely effective for cell therapy in Wilson disease because of the nature of preexisting hepatic damage.
Residential Property Values and New Jersey Transit Village Program

Since 1999, 23 New Jersey transit villages have been designated in New Jersey municipalities, with the intention of intensifying development around rail stations and bus hubs. As one test of the effectiveness of this state effort, the appreciation in residential property values is investigated and compared with that in other municipalities in the state. Some limited positive evidence is found to support the New Jersey transit village designation. Econometric analysis of the change in average residential sales price over 9 years finds an association but cannot establish a causal effect. Case study analysis of selected New Jersey transit villages suggests that the forethought, commitment, and political will required to apply for transit village status may be what sparks municipal development rather than the designation itself.
CFD Prediction of Cooling Tower Drift

Drift of small water droplets from mechanical and natural draft cooling tower installations can contain water treatment chemicals such that contact with plants, building surfaces and human activity can be hazardous. Prediction of drift deposition is generally provided by analytic models such as the US Environmental Protection Agency approved ISCST3 (Industrial Source Complex Short Term Version 3) or SACTI (Seasonal-Annual Cooling Tower Impact) codes; however, these codes are less suitable when cooling towers are located midst taller structures and buildings. A computational fluid dynamics code including Lagrangian prediction of the gravity driven but stochastic trajectory descent of droplets is considered and compared to data from the 1977 Chalk Point Dye Tracer Experiment. The CFD (computational fluid dynamics) program predicts plume rise, surface concentrations, plume centerline concentrations and surface drift deposition within the bounds of field experimental accuracy.
Combinatorial protein design: strategies for screening protein libraries

Powerful strategies for screening protein libraries further strengthen the arguments for applying ‘irrational’ approaches to understanding and designing new proteins. Developments during the past year include the application of functional complementation and automation to reduce screening loads, as well as the use of computerized data acquisition to characterize whole protein libraries rather than just selected individuals.
The motionally induced back-emf in railguns

Abstract Relative motion between armature and rails in the railgun produces induced emf's. The Lorentz force formula correctly predicts the emf present in the armature but it fails to acknowledge the induction of further emf's in the rails which are proportional to the relative velocity. It is easy to confirm the existence of the additional rail emf's behind and ahead of the armature, by voltage measurements across the muzzle and the breech of the railgun. Neumann's forgotten law of induction, which was first proposed in 1845, correctly accounts for the magnitude and position of all motionally induced emf components in the railgun circuit. The velocity dependent back-emf's in the rails coincide with the Ampere recoil forces in the railheads just behind the armature. Electric power extended in overcoming these back-emf's, and associated with the recoil forces, seem to store elastic strain energy in the rails.
Transit Time and Space-Charge for the Cylindrical Diode†

ABSTRACT Introduction of time-dependent Poisson equation admits a form of solution which leads to interesting relations for transit time and the current-voltage dependence for both zero and finite initial electron velocities. The analysis is expedited by employment of a reduced spatial variable and the development of inverse power series. The general correspondence with Langmuir's classic solution is demonstrated and, in particular, in the limit of vanishing cathode radius, a simple, non-series description corresponds to the case,β=1.
The Function of Dipteran Flight Muscle

Abstract The flight muscles of flies are separated into two physiologically, anatomically, and functionally distinct classes: power muscles and control muscles. The large indirect power muscles sustain the high level of mechanical energy required to flap the wings up and down during flight. The contractions in the asynchronous power muscles are initiated by stretch, and their slow presynaptic motor drive serves only to maintain a tonic level of cytosolic calcium. Although providing the mechanical energy for flight, the power muscles are not directly attached to the wings. Instead, their mechanical energy is transmitted to the base of the wings through the complex linkage system of the wing hinge. In contrast, the small control muscles insert directly onto the skeletal elements at the base of the wing. Through their mechanical effects on the hinge, the control muscles act collectively as a transmission system that determines how the mechanical energy produced by the power muscles is transformed into wing motion. The control muscles are activated by motor spikes in the conventional one-for-one fashion. Thus, although the control muscles can generate little mechanical power, they provide the means by which the nervous system can rapidly alter wing kinematics during sophisticated aerial maneuvers.
Abortion, Antifeminism, and the Return of Daniel Ortega In Nicaragua, Leftist Politics?

In Nicaragua, the convergence of two regional trends—the resurgence of the electoral left and the emergence of significant antifeminist movements—has important implications for our understanding of...
Effects of Adrenal Steroids on the Bone Metabolism of Children with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

Abstract: The primary treatment for patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD) is glucocorticoid replacement therapy, which at supraphysiologic levels can result in diminished bone accrual and lead to osteopenia and osteoporosis. Unlike other diseases treated with chronic glucocorticoid therapy, previous studies of patients with 21OHD have not demonstrated a detrimental effect of glucocorticoid treatment on bone mineral density (BMD). It has been postulated that the elevated androgens typically found in these patients have a protective effect on bone integrity, but the precise mechanism remains unknown. We propose that the inhibitory effect of corticosteroid therapy on bone formation is counteracted by estrogen's effect on bone resorption through the RANK-L/osteoprotegerin (OPG) system. A better understanding of the mechanism by which patients with 21OHD are protected against bone loss may lead to novel therapeutic measures to prevent or treat osteopenia and osteoporosis in other conditions, including postmenopausal women.
High Disease Burden Is Associated with Poor Outcomes for Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia Not in Remission Who Undergo Unrelated Donor Cell Transplantation

Abstract Results were analyzed for 48 consecutive patients with acute myeloid leukemia not in remission who underwent unrelated donor bone marrow or stem cell transplantation between 1991 and February 2003 at 2 transplant centers. Forty-six were adults with a median age of 32 years (range, 4-58 years). Forty-two were HLA-A, -B, and -DR matched with their respective donors, and 6 were mismatched at 1 of these loci. The conditioning regimen was myeloablative in all cases: busulfan/cyclophosphamide/etoposide in 34 patients, busulfan/cyclophosphamide in 10 patients, and total body irradiation based in 4 patients. Median follow-up for survivors was 540 days (range, 145-2716 days). Only patients with
Adrenal relationships to aggressiveness in isolated female mice

Lorsque des souris femelles soumises a l'isolement sont groupees selon leur temperament belliquex et non-belliqueux, on observe une augmentation de l'activite medullossurrenalienne chez les animaux isoles belliquex. Au contraire, les souris isolees non-belliqueuses ont montre des taux de catecholamines inferieurs et une secretion cortico-surrenale nettement augmentee.
Development of a knowledge base for diagnostic reasoning in cardiology

This paper reports on a formative evaluation of the diagnostic capabilities of the Heart Failure Program, which uses a probability network and a heuristic hypothesis generator. Using 242 cardiac cases collected from discharge summaries at a tertiary care hospital, we compared the diagnoses of the program to diagnoses collected from cardiologists using the same information as was available to the program. With some adjustments to the knowledge base, the Heart Failure Program produces appropriate diagnoses about 90% of the time on this training set. The main reasons for the inappropriate diagnoses of the remaining 10% include inadequate reasoning with temporal relations between cause and effect, severity relations, and independence of acute and chronic diseases.
Steady state diffusion of oxygen in red blood cell and model suspensions

Experimental measurements were made of the steady oxygen permeation rate through films of nonreactive and reactive dispersions, including suspensions of red blood cells. The data compare well with a theoretical analysis which incorporates a one-step reversible reaction within the dispersed phase. In the absence of reaction, the red cell permeability could be treated as that of a concentrated hemoglobin solution. For reactive suspensions of red cells or water-in-oil emulsions containing hemoglobin at 25°C, substantial facilitation of oxygen transport occurred when oxyhemoglobin gradients were steep, but both the data and the theory exhibited considerably less facilitation than would be suggested by an equilibrium analysis.
Does the Addition of Tamsulosin to Outpatient Analgesic Therapy Enhance Spontaneous Stone Passage in Patients With Uncomplicated Distal Ureteral Stones

To determine whether the addition of an adrenergic α-antagonist to routine medical therapy enhances spontaneous passage of uncomplicated urolithiasis, we performed a MEDLINE search using the key words "urolithiasis AND adrenergic alpha-antagonists LIMIT humans" and "English." This search yielded 22 articles, 8 of which directly addressed this question. According to this review of the available evidence, adrenergic α-antagonists, such as tamsulosin, increase spontaneous stone expulsion rate and decrease time to stone expulsion, additional analgesic requirement, and hospitalization. Therefore, it would be within the standard of care to add a short course (2 to 4 weeks) of tamsulosin to standard analgesic therapy for patients discharged from the emergency department with appropriate urologic follow-up.
Decay of Atomic Wave‐Packet Motion in Optical Lattices

We study, experimentally and with quantum Monte-Carlo wave-function simulations, the effects of dispersion and dissipation on two types of spatial wave-packets of atoms in 1D and 3D optical lattices. Breathing-mode oscillations are excited by suddenly changing the potential depth after equilibration of the atoms at the lattice sites. The subsequent breathing-mode oscillations are measured using Bragg scattering. The second type of oscillations is prepared by suddenly shifting the lattice, thus exciting coherent-state-like wave-packets. These sloshing-type oscillations manifest themselves in a periodic photon redistribution between the lattice beams. We measure the resultant intensity exchange, which is a sensitive probe for the wave-packet evolution. For both types of wave-packets we observe an initial collapse within about three to six oscillation periods, a fact which we attribute to dephasing of the components of the wave-packets caused by the anharmonicity of the lattice potential. The initial collapse is followed by revivals of the wave-packets. Dissipation not only reduces the amplitude of these revivals but also modifies their shape and time of occurrence. In shallow lattices we observe that tunneling of the atoms between neighboring potential wells influences the wave-packet oscillations.
Reimagining Global Climate Change: Alternatives to the UN Treaty Process

As highlighted by the so-called “Brokenhagen” (2009) and “Can’tcun” (2010) meetings, frustrations about the United Nations climate change negotiation process abound. Global climate change represents one of the biggest challenges facing the international community today. Through the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), parties are charged with cooperating to develop a global mandate, and with launching national strategies to address both emissions reductions and adaptation to climate change. However, after little success at the most recent UN treaty negotiations, there has been a growing discontent about the international treaty process as the means to solving the climate change problem. Three recent volumes address this dissatisfaction, contributing to our understanding of the challenges and shortcomings of treaty negotiations, yet also proposing three very different alternatives to solve the impasse. In Climate Governance at the Crossroads Matthew Hoffmann argues that, after two decades of multilateral negotiations and untold monies spent, we have very little to show. He has written this book out of a sense of frustration with the multilateral treaty process and the general lack of progress in moving forward, and the need to re-envision climate change governance from a micro-perspective. As an alternative to traditional top-down governance approaches such as the prevailing UN treaty system, Hoffmann examines what he calls “experimental” systems of governance. This book looks at 58 climate governance “experiments” such as carbon rationing action groups, social network platforms, cor-
MetaSEEk: a content-based metasearch engine for images

Search engines are the most powerful resources for finding information on the rapidly expanding World Wide Web (WWW). Finding the desired search engines and learning how to use them, however, can be very time consuming. The integration of such search tools enables the users to access information across the world in a transparent and efficient manner. These systems are called meta-search engines. The recent emergence of visual information retrieval (VIR) search engines on the web is leading to the same efficiency problem. This paper describes and evaluates MetaSEEk, a content-based meta-search engine used for finding images on the Web based on their visual information. MetaSEEk is designed to intelligently select and interface with multiple on-line image search engines by ranking their performance for different classes of user queries. User feedback is also integrated in the ranking refinement. We compare MetaSEEk with a base line version of meta-search engine, which does not use the past performance of the different search engines in recommending target search engines for future queries.
Parental preferences for error disclosure, reporting, and legal action after medical error in the care of their children.

Objective. No data exist on parental preferences for disclosure, reporting, and seeking legal action after errors in the care of their children are disclosed. This study examined parental preferences for error disclosure and reporting; responses to error disclosure; and preferences and responses by race/ethnicity, gender, age, and insurance. Methods. A 4-scenario survey instrument portraying a range of medical error was provided to a convenience sample of parents who presented with children to an emergency department. Parents were asked to categorize the error, express preferences for disclosure and reporting, and then report how they expected to respond with and without disclosure. Basic demographics were collected also. Bivariate analyses of demographics were performed with Fisher's exact tests, analysis of scenario responses was performed with Somers' D, and the independent effects of the study variables were assessed with a generalized estimating equation. Results. Research assistants approached 661 parents; 499 participated (75% response rate). Of all scenarios presented to the parents, they judged 54% of the scenarios as severe, 99% wanted disclosure, 39% wanted the error reported to a disciplinary body, and 36% were less likely to seek legal action if the error was disclosed by the physician. In multivariate modeling, severity was associated with desire for disclosure, reporting, and change in likelihood of legal action with disclosure. Conclusions. Regardless of severity, parents want to be informed of error. Educational interventions to improve error disclosure should emphasize the uniformity of parental preferences for disclosure, reporting, and the decreased likelihood of legal action when errors are disclosed than if discovered through other means.
Clinical evaluation of three concentrations of sodium fluoride in dentifrices.

The anticaries efficacy of three levels of sodium fluoride incorporated in dentifrices was compared with that of a control dentifrice. DMFT and DMFS increments after one and two years show that all three levels of sodium fluoride reduce caries Incidence.
Analysis of high-purity reagents using automatic on-line column preconcentration-separation and electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

A fully automatic flow-injection on-line column preconcentration and separation procedure for electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry is described for the determination of cadmium and lead in high-purity reagents. A microcolumn with 9 μL of solid sorbent, introduction of air prior to elution, and use of methanol as the eluent made it possible to elute the sorbed analyte quantitatively with only 80 μL of solvent. The total eluate volume was transferred into the graphite tube which was pre-heated to 80°C using a flow rate of 0.08 mL min−1 which allowed the solvent to evaporate in part during eluate introduction. The efficiency of the total procedure was 0.63 and 0.65, and the enrichment factor was 62 and 64 for cadmium and lead, respectively, compared with the direct introduction of 30 μL of an aqueous solution. The sample throughput was 13 h−1 for a sample loading time of 60 s and the detection limits (3 σ) were 0.7 and 4.5 ng L−1 for cadmium and lead, respectively. The relative standard deviation of the entire procedure in the optimum working range was typically around 3% (n=6). A number of high purity (suprapure) and analytical grade (pro analysi) reagents were analyzed, and spiking experiments resulted in recoveries of 97–104%.
A decrease in discharge‐normalized DOC export by the Yukon River during summer through autumn

[1] Climate warming is having a dramatic effect on the vegetation distribution and carbon cycling of terrestrial subarctic and arctic ecosystems. Here, we present hydrologic evidence that warming is also affecting the export of dissolved organic carbon and bicarbonate (DOC and HCO3−) at the large basin scale. In the 831,400 km2 Yukon River basin, water discharge (Q) corrected DOC export significantly decreased during the growing season from 1978–80 to 2001–03, indicating a major shift in terrestrial to aquatic C transfer. We conclude that decreased DOC export, relative to total summer through autumn Q, results from increased flow path, residence time, and microbial mineralization of DOC in the soil active layer and groundwater. Counter to current predictions, we argue that continued warming could result in decreased DOC export to the Bering Sea and Arctic Ocean by major subarctic and arctic rivers, due to increased respiration of organic C on land.
Antibody response to two synthetic peptides corresponding to residues 45–68 and 69–79 of the major protein of hepatitis B surface antigen

Peptides corresponding to amino acid residues 48-65 and 69-79 of the major polypeptide component of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) were synthesized and conjugated to protein (bovine serum albumin and keyhole limpet hemocyanin) and fully synthetic (polyglutaraldehyde and cross-linked liposomes) carriers. The peptide-liposome conjugates appeared the most consistent in eliciting antibodies to HBsAg. Results of competition assays between each of the free synthetic peptides and HBsAg for antibodies suggested that the synthetic analogues and the corresponding segments on intact HBsAg are structurally closely related.
Effects of developmental hyperserotonemia on juvenile play behavior, oxytocin and serotonin receptor expression in the hypothalamus are age and sex dependent

There is a striking sex difference in the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), such that males are diagnosed more often than females, usually in early childhood. Given that recent research has implicated elevated blood serotonin (hyperserotonemia) in perinatal development as a potential factor in the pathogenesis of ASD, we sought to evaluate the effects of developmental hyperserotonemia on social behavior and relevant brain morphology in juvenile males and females. Administration of 5-methoxytryptamine (5-MT) both pre- and postnatally was found to disrupt normal social play behavior in juveniles. In addition, alterations in the number of oxytocinergic cells in the lateral and medial paraventricular nucleus (PVN) were evident on postnatal day 18 (PND18) in 5-MT treated females, but not treated males. 5-MT treatment also changed the relative expression of 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors in the PVN, in males at PND10 and in females at PND18. These data suggest that serotonin plays an organizing role in the development of the PVN in a sexually dimorphic fashion, and that elevated serotonin levels during perinatal development may disrupt normal organization, leading to neurochemical and behavioral changes. Importantly, these data also suggest that the inclusion of both juvenile males and females in studies will be necessary to fully understand the role of serotonin in development, especially in relation to ASD.
Air Pollution and Forest Health: Establishing Cause and Effect in the Forest

I participated in a NATO Advanced Research Workshop titled “Effects of Air Pollution on Forest Health and Biodiversity in Forests of the Carpathian Mountains,” in Stara Lesna, Slovakia from May 22–26, 2001. Researchers from Canada, Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Ukraine, and the U.S. met to present their results from a three-year cooperative study of tree health and air quality monitoring in forests of the Carpathian Mountains in Central Europe. Much of the work reported related to assessing the crown condition of trees in permanent plots in natural or managed (planted) forests in the mountains. The endpoint was tree condition, with results extrapolated to the forests in the Carpathian range. From this I learned that, of the 50,000 trees evaluated, European beech (Fagus sylvatica) was the most healthy, while Norway spruce (Picea abies) (the principal forest tree) and white fir (Abies alba) sustained crown defoliation of up to 12.8%. The cause of this crown defoliation and tree decline was usually attributed to “air pollution” as a generic term and an automatic assumption. It is well known that deposition of heavy metals and acidic sulfur and nitrogen compounds can cause tree decline and predispose affected trees to bark beetles and climatic damage. Chemical analyses can also be done to detect metals and sulfur compounds in trees and soils. Sometimes these analyses were done, but most often the assumption was that crown defoliation was caused by air pollution. The assumption was that given sufficient exposure to high enough concentrations of toxic elements, sooner or later there will be a visible adverse response.
Contribution of Superior Vena Caval Flow to Total Cardiac Output in Children A Doppler Echocardiographic Study

Background After a cavopulmonary anastomosis, the superior vena caval flow, by virtue of being the effective pulmonary blood flow, is the most important factor influencing the systemic arterial saturation. Determination of the amount of this blood flow will allow a better understanding of the physiology of the circulation after this anastomosis. The purposes of this study were to determine the volumetric flow in the superior vena cava and to evaluate its contribution to the cardiac output as children grow. Methods and Results Using two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography, we measured the diameter of and mean flow velocities in the superior venae cavae and the pulmonary arteries of 145 healthy children. We calculated the volumetric flow in each vessel and determined the ratio of superior vena caval flow to total cardiac output. Cardiac output and superior vena caval flow increased with increasing age and body surface area. The superior vena caval flow accounted for 49% of cardiac output in newborn inf...
Long-term double-blind evaluation of amlodipine and nadolol in patients with stable exertional angina pectoris

The efficacy and tolerability of amlodipine 2.5-10 mg once daily was compared with nadolol 40-160 mg once daily in a long-term double-blind parallel-group study in patients with stable exertional angina pectoris. A total of 80 patients were randomized to receive amlodipine or nadolol for 26 weeks after a 2-week single-blind placebo run-in period. The effects of amlodipine and nadolol on total exercise time were minimal and not significantly different. However, amlodipine produced a slightly but not significantly greater increase in time to onset of angina than nadolol (+21% amlodipine; +8% nadolol). No significant differences were noted between amlodipine and nadolol on ST-segment depression, angina attack rate, or nitroglycerin consumption. A slightly greater improvement was attained after amlodipine on patient and investigator assessments of treatments. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.0001) was found between treatments on the effects on myocardial oxygen requirements (as assessed by the rate pressure product). Nadolol produced a reduction of 29% compared with a slight reduction of 4% with amlodipine. Fewer side effects were reported with amlodipine (43%) than with nadolol (83%) (p < 0.0001), resulting in discontinuation of therapy in three amlodipine and four nadolol patients. Long-term treatment with amlodipine and nadolol produced comparable effects in patients with angina pectoris, with fewer side effects being reported after treatment with amlodipine.