cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Carbon Dioxide and Methane Fluxes From Tree Stems, Coarse Woody Debris, and Soils in an Upland Temperate Forest

Forest soils and canopies are major components of ecosystem CO2 and CH4 fluxes. In contrast, less is known about coarse woody debris and living tree stems, both of which function as active surfaces for CO2 and CH4 fluxes. We measured CO2 and CH4 fluxes from soils, coarse woody debris, and tree stems over the growing season in an upland temperate forest. Soils were CO2 sources (4.58 ± 2.46 µmol m−2 s−1, mean ± 1 SD) and net sinks of CH4 (−2.17 ± 1.60 nmol m−2 s−1). Coarse woody debris was a CO2 source (4.23 ± 3.42 µmol m−2 s−1) and net CH4 sink, but with large uncertainty (−0.27 ± 1.04 nmol m−2 s−1) and with substantial differences depending on wood decay status. Stems were CO2 sources (1.93 ± 1.63 µmol m−2 s−1), but also net CH4 sources (up to 0.98 nmol m−2 s−1), with a mean of 0.11 ± 0.21 nmol m−2 s−1 and significant differences depending on tree species. Stems of N. sylvatica, F. grandifolia, and L. tulipifera consistently emitted CH4, whereas stems of A. rubrum, B. lenta, and Q. spp. were intermittent sources. Coarse woody debris and stems accounted for 35% of total measured CO2 fluxes, whereas CH4 emissions from living stems offset net soil and CWD CH4 uptake by 3.5%. Our results demonstrate the importance of CH4 emissions from living stems in upland forests and the need to consider multiple forest components to understand and interpret ecosystem CO2 and CH4 dynamics.
Effective NOx remediation from a surrogate flue gas using the US NRL Electra electron beam facility

Nitric oxide (NOx) emission is under restrictive federal regulations because of its negative impact on atmosphere, biosphere, and human health. Therefore, its removal has been a subject of extensive research to develop new efficient and cost effective techniques that can be applied on an industrial scale. In this work, we study both experimentally and theoretically an effective removal of NOx pollutants from a surrogate flue gas (SFG) using high power electron beam (e-beam) pulses. SFG is a simulant for exhaust from coal combustion power plants (82% N2, 6% O2, 12% CO2, and ∼100 ppm of NOx). The pulsed electron beam is generated using the United States Naval Research Laboratory Electra facility, which delivers e-beams with energies of ∼500 keV and a power pulse duration of ∼140 ns. During the e-beam irradiation, the energetic electrons generate a non-equilibrium plasma containing chemically active species, which then react with NOx to form harmless substances. A non-equilibrium time-dependent model is deve...
Games and Fiction: Partners in the Evolution of Culture

In this essay, I argue that the time is right in the philosophy of sport to follow the lead of systems thinking and emphasize the contextual embeddedness of sport, not its distinctive characteristi...
Bicycle Justice and Urban Transformation: Biking for All?, edited by Aaron Golub, Melody L. Hoffmann, Adonia E. Lugo, and Gerardo F. Sandoval

The struggle for civil rights and social justice is inextricably linked to transportation. The “separate but equal” doctrine was enshrined when Homer Plessy, a Black man, refused to move from a Whi...
Accelerating locomotor savings in learning: compressing four training days to one.

Learning a new movement requires repetition. Here, we demonstrate how to more efficiently train an adapted walking pattern. By compressing split-belt treadmill training delivered over 4 days to fou...
Duty phase shift technique for extended-duty-ratio boost converter for reducing device voltage stress over wider operating range

This paper proposes a modified duty phase shift technique for an M-phase extended-duty-ratio (EDR) boost converter to facilitate the inherent current sharing property and reduced voltage stress on the switching devices of the EDR converter over wider operating region. With conventional phase shift of (360/M)° among the operating phases, a reduced voltage stress and inherent current share between the interleaved boost phases is only possible for the operating region of duty ratio given by (M − 1)/M ≤ D ≤ 1, with a minimum gain of M2. However, for a wide range of input-output application with the need of extended range of voltage conversion gain, the converter will operate over broader duty ratio range. With the proposed duty phase shift technique, the advantages of EDR converter of inherent current sharing and reduced voltage stress on the active devices can be restored over wider operating range allowing a minimum gain of 2 M. The method is validated with extensive simulation results from multi-phase EDR boost and experimental results from a 250 W 3-phase EDR boost with GaN-based hardware prototype operating at 200 kHz switching frequency.
3 – Chemical and Electrochemical Reactions

Ti biomaterials and devices/instruments made of these materials will be subject to hostile environment, causing chemical and/or electrochemical reactions. Some reaction products might be toxic. All related reactions (discoloration, corrosion, metal ion release, dissolution, galvanic corrosion under coupling with dissimilar material, and microbiology-induced corrosion) will be discussed in this chapter.
El manejo de riesgos climáticos y eco sistémicos en América Latina: los nuevos instrumentos financieros de transferencia

En los ultimos anos, tanto el numero como la intensidad de los desastres naturales han aumentado significativamente. En particular, los paises de Latinoamerica han sido afectados de manera importante debido a su alto grado de vulnerabilidad. Dichos fenomenos naturales no solo ocasionan lamentables perdidas humanas, sino que ponen en riesgo la sostenibilidad de los esfuerzos vertidos en favor del desarrollo de paises con economias emergentes, desestabilizando las finanzas publicas y el manejo de la deuda de todo un pais. Es por ello que se hace necesario una efectiva Gestion del Riesgo de Desastres, dentro de la cual las estrategias o mecanismos de financiamiento son fundamentales. Dentro de estas estrategias de financiamiento se encuentran: recursos fiscales, creditos contingentes, bonos de catastrofe, y seguros/derivados..
Wit is not Enough

Beyond the challenges of professionalism education in medical school, ensuring the maintenance of competencies during a physician’s professional life presents even greater hurdles. Medical students are “captive” learners, and teachers regularly engage them in formal learning environments, but there are no traditional classrooms for practicing physicians, and there is no teacher who is watching over them. Questions about what should be the core elements of a lifelong curriculum for physicians are not fully answered. Who should and how to effectively assess that physicians continually possess the competencies to deliver quality patient care remain largely unresolved. Addressing these and other challenges is critical because physicians are students of medicine for life, but only medical students for a relatively brief period in their professional career.
An Introduction to Political Economy and Mississippian Political Economy

Brecht’s observation has crystal clarity. Starving people do not worry about table manners. Yet somewhere between starvation and prosperity, people do begin to concern themselves not only with table manners, but also all manner of ethical and moral issues. This book is about the relationships of “eating” and “politics” for various late prehistoric peoples, loosely called Mississippian, who lived in what is now the Southeastern United States.
Photoacoustic Imaging of Nanoparticle Transport in the Kidneys at High Temporal Resolution

Noninvasive monitoring of kidney elimination of engineered nanoparticles at high temporal and spatial resolution will not only significantly advance our fundamental understandings of nephrology on the nanoscale, but also aid in the early detection of kidney disease, which affects more than 10 % of the worldwide population. Taking advantage of strong NIR absorption of the well-defined Au25 (SG)18 nanocluster, photoacoustic (PA) imaging was used to visualize its transport in situ through the aorta to the renal parenchyma and its subsequent filtration into the renal pelvis at a temporal resolution down to 1 s. High temporal and spatial resolution imaging of Au25 (SG)18 kidney elimination allowed the accurate quantification of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of individual kidneys in normal and pathological conditions, broadening the biomedical applications of engineered nanoparticles in preclinical kidney research.
Disposal of prescription drugs by parents of middle and high school students

To determine how parents dispose of unused prescription medications and correlates of disposal, we recruited 3,043 parents of adolescents to complete a survey. Multivariate and multinomial logistic...
Initiating the T Cell Response to Liver-Stage Malaria.

Kurup et al. (Cell Host Microbe 2019;25:565–577.e6) define the liver-based antigen-presenting cell driving CD8 T cell responses to mosquito transmission of Plasmodium spp., and show direct interaction of CD11c+ cells with infected hepatocytes. We discuss this work in context, highlighting gaps and new approaches suggested by the work to target liver-stage vaccine antigens.
Performance and forage utilization by beef cattle receiving increasing amounts of alfalfa hay as a supplement to low-quality, tallgrass-prairie forage.

Two experiments evaluated effects of amount of supplemental alfalfa hay on intake and utilization of dormant, tallgrass-prairie forage by beef steers and on performance of cows grazing tallgrass prairie during winter. In Exp. 1, four supplemental alfalfa levels (.23, .47, .70, and .94% BW.steer-1.d-1) were evaluated in a 34-d, randomized complete block design experiment using 16 steers (291 kg). Voluntary tallgrass-prairie hay intake decreased linearly (P = .02), whereas total DMI increased linearly (P .10) by treatment, although NDF digestibility decreased (linear, P = .03) and passage rates of indigestible ADF and Cr EDTA increased (linear, P = .02) with increased alfalfa. In Exp. 2, supplemental alfalfa (.48, .72, or .96% BW.cow-1.d-1) was fed to 113 pregnant Hereford x Angus cows (502 kg) from November 27 until calving (average calving date = March 7). Cumulative weight loss from the beginning of the experiment until just after calving was lowest with .96% BW alfalfa (quadratic, P = .09), and cumulative condition loss was decreased linearly (P = .02) with increased alfalfa. Although treatment did not alter (P > .10) pregnancy rates, increasing the amount of alfalfa supported shorter intervals to conception (P = .03). Cows fed .96% BW alfalfa weaned heavier calves (quadratic, P = .04) than other groups. Results indicate that improvements in performance of beef cows in moderate body condition were greater when the amount of supplemental alfalfa was increased from .48 to .72% BW than when it was increased from .72 to .96% BW.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
IGBT Applications: Lighting

The operation of the electronic ballast design using insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) for compact fluorescent bulbs is described. Various circuit topologies for electronic ballasts for compact fluorescent lamps are provided. Power factor correction circuits using IGBTs are described. The application of IGBTs for flash and strobe lights is discussed. Its use in driving xenon arc lamps for automobiles and movie projectors is described. The application of IGBTs to rapid thermal annealing processes is provided.
Dose-dependent association of accelerometer-measured physical activity and sedentary time with brain perfusion in aging

Abstract Introduction Age-related decreases in cerebral blood flow (CBF) may lead to cognitive decline, while physical activity (PA) can maintain CBF and cognition in aging. The intensity of PA needed to affect CBF in aging, and the independent effects of sedentary time on CBF are currently unknown. Moreover, research conducted in free-living environments with objective measures of PA (e.g., accelerometry) is lacking. Methods This cross-sectional study used accelerometry to objectively measure sedentary time, all light PA [AllLightPA], moderate-to-vigorous PA [MVPA], and total activity counts [TAC] in 52 cognitively healthy older adults. Robust linear regressions investigated the association of CBF (using arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging) in frontal and medial temporal regions, with each PA intensity and sedentary time. Results Greater sedentary time was significantly associated with lower CBF in lateral and medial frontal regions after adjusting for MVPA, while higher AllLightPA (adjusted for MVPA), MVPA (adjusted for AllLightPA), and TAC were associated with greater CBF in lateral and medial frontal regions. Discussion Lighter activities, as well as MVPA, are beneficial to CBF in brain regions typically affected by the aging process and malleable to exercise interventions (i.e., the frontal lobes), whereas sedentary time is an independent risk factor for neurovascular dysregulation in normal aging.
Intimate Partner Violence Screening Programs in the Veterans Health Administration: Informing Scale-up of Successful Practices.

Screening women for intimate partner violence (IPV) is increasingly expected in primary care, consistent with clinical prevention guidelines (e.g., United States Preventive Services Task Force). Yet, little is known about real-world implementation of clinical practices or contextual factors impacting IPV screening program success. This study identified successful clinical practices, and barriers to and facilitators of IPV screening program implementation in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Descriptive, qualitative study of a purposeful sample of 11 Veterans Affairs Medical Centers (VAMCs) categorized as early and late adopters of IPV screening programs within women’s health primary care clinics. VAMCs were categorized based on performance measures collected by VHA operations partners. Thirty-two administrators and clinician key informants (e.g., Women’s Health Medical Directors, IPV Coordinators, and physicians) involved in IPV screening program implementation decisions from six early- and five late-adopting sites nationwide. Participants reported on IPV screening and response practices, and contextual factors impacting implementation, in individual 1-h semi-structured phone interviews. Transcripts were analyzed using rapid content analysis with key practices and issues synthesized in profile summaries. Themes were identified and iteratively revised, utilizing matrices to compare content across early- and late-adopting sites. Five successful clinical practices were identified (use of two specific screening tools for primary IPV screening and secondary risk assessment, multilevel resource provision and community partnerships, co-location of mental health/social work, and patient-centered documentation). Multilevel barriers (time/resource constraints, competing priorities and mounting responsibilities in primary care, lack of policy, inadequate training, and discomfort addressing IPV) and facilitators (engaged IPV champions, internal and external supports, positive feedback regarding IPV screening practices, and current, national attention to violence against women) were identified. Findings advance national efforts by highlighting successful clinical practices for IPV screening programs and informing strategies useful for enhancing their implementation within and beyond the VHA, ultimately improving services and women’s health.
Arithmetic invariants from Sato–Tate moments

Abstract We give some arithmetic-geometric interpretations of the moments M 2 [ a 1 ] , M 1 [ a 2 ] , and M 1 [ s 2 ] of the Sato–Tate group of an abelian variety A defined over a number field by relating them to the ranks of the endomorphism ring and Neron–Severi group of A.
Relationship between binge eating and associated eating behaviors with subcortical brain volumes and cortical thickness.

Abstract Background Binge eating disorder (BED) is the most prevalent eating disorder. We examined the presence of binge eating (BE) and three associated eating behaviors in relation to subcortical regional volumes and cortical thickness from brain scans. Methods We processed structural MRI brain scans for 466 individuals from the Nathan Kline Institute Rockland Sample using Freesurfer. We investigated subcortical volumes and cortical thicknesses among those with and without BE and in relation to the scores on dietary restraint, disinhibition, and hunger from the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ). We conducted a whole-brain analysis and a region of analysis (ROI) using a priori regions associated with BE and with the three eating factors. We also compared scores on the three TFEQ factors for the BE and non-BE. Results The BE group had higher scores for dietary restraint (p = .013), disinhibition (p = 1.22E-07), and hunger (p = 5.88E-07). In the whole-brain analysis, no regions survived correction for multiple comparisons (FDR corrected p Limitations Limitations include potential self-report bias on the EDE-Q and TFEQ. Conclusions The findings show that BE and disinhibition scores were each associated with greater volumes in the left NAc, a reward area, consistent with a greater drive and pleasure for food.
Natural organic matter surface coverage as a predictor of heteroaggregation between nanoparticles and colloids

Heteroaggregation and eco-corona formation are important, interrelated processes that transform engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) and strongly impact their fate, transport and toxicity in natural and engineered systems. Yet, there is a lack of mechanistic information linking these processes. This work experimentally validates the hypothesis that attachment efficiencies can be predicted on the basis of the fraction of particle surfaces coated by organic matter. Heteroaggregation between branched polyethyleneimine gold nanoparticles (bPEI-AuNPs) and glass beads (a surrogate for naturally occurring suspended particulates) was examined in the presence and absence of Suwannee River natural organic matter (SRNOM) using a recently developed functional assay. Attachment efficiencies for heteroaggregation were quantified in systems where the relative concentrations of ENPs, glass beads and SRNOM were varied so as to systematically control the extent of eco-corona formation on the particle surfaces. Corona formation on the glass microspheres was negligible, but SRNOM readily adsorbed to the bPEI-AuNPs, reducing heteroaggregation. Measured attachment efficiencies were well described by a model correlating attachment efficiencies with the fractional coverage of the bPEI-AuNP surfaces by SRNOM, providing a promising mechanistic link between eco-corona formation and subsequent aggregation behavior. Further, the dependence of attachment efficiencies on the extent of eco-corona formation reveals the necessity that laboratory-based assays control the relative concentrations of ENPs, suspended particulates, and organic matter such that the resultant eco-corona formation is representative of that expected in the relevant environmental system.
Application of Behavior Modification to Blind Children.

Research and application of principles of behavior modification with visually impaired and blind children are reviewed with particular attention to lower functioning multiply impaired children. Cov...
Targeting Faulty Bearings for an Ocean Turbine Dynamometer

A real-time, vibrations-based condition monitoring method used to detect, localize, and identify a faulty bearing in an ocean turbine electric motor is presented in this paper. The electric motor is installed in a dynamometer emulating the functions of the actual ocean turbine. High frequency modal analysis and power trending are combined to assess the operational health of the dynamometer’s bearings across an array of accelerometers. Once a defect has been detected, envelope analysis is used to identify the exact bearing containing the defect. After a brief background on bearing fault detection, this paper introduces a simplified mathematical model of the bearing fault, followed with the signal processing approach used to detect, locate, and identify the fault. In the results section, effectiveness of the methods of bearing fault detection presented in this paper is demonstrated through processing data collected, first, from a controlled lathe setup and, second, from the dynamometer. By mounting a bearing containing a defect punched into its inner raceway to a lathe and placing an array of accelerometers along the length of lathe, the bearing fault is clearly detected, localized, and identified as an inner raceway defect. Through retroactively trending the data leading to the near-failure of one of the electric motors in the dynamometer, the authors identified a positive trend in energy levels for a specific frequency band present across the array of accelerometers and identify two bearings as possible sources of the fault. defects, Bearing Faults, turbine engine, rotating machinery, modulation; demodulation, Fault Detection; Techniques; Ocean Turbine, renewable energy, ocean engineering
Institutional Performativity Pressure and First-Year Teachers

The challenges of negotiating the first year of teaching is something that concerns not only nascent teachers, but also many teacher educators and school administrators (Dugas, 2016). This case study of two beginning teachers explores the ways these teachers navigated the pressures of institutional performativity. Interviews reveal that both teachers’ identities were impacted by the external data-driven learning measures. The first-year teachers wrestled with the quantifiable data that served as evidence of their merit. At times, these external expectations created a crisis in values in that the beginning teachers felt they must abandon what they knew to be effective practices and instead adopt their school norms or approaches that would meet these external demands. This research points to the ways teacher educators and school administrators must work alongside beginning teachers to be a catalyst for systemic change toward student-centered learning and away from an over emphasis on student data driving teacher merit.
Identification and characterization of Thermally Induced Fractures through integrated analytical and semi-analytical models

Abstract Thermally induced fractures (TIFs) are common in waterflooded fields where the injection of (relatively) cold water leads to a cooling front that reduces a formation's in-situ stresses. Understanding TIFs is important since their existence impacts oil recovery potential, well injectivity, injection well integrity, and injector-producer well spacing in reservoirs under waterflooding. Identifying and characterizing dynamic TIF growth is a critical step in defining field development strategies and making daily reservoir management decisions. This research introduces a workflow that integrates analytical well monitoring and semi-analytical models to identify TIF onset, propagation properties, direction, and impact during dynamic reservoir events occurring at different levels. The practicality of the proposed workflow has been tested using synthetic data and its robustness confirmed by an analysis of actual field data. The novelty of the approach presented here is in its efficient integration of recent analytical and semi-analytical models to identify TIF onset, propagation, characteristics, and impact from generally available well injection production history data. This practical workflow will help engineers detect and monitor TIFs and evaluate the metrics describing waterflood performance, including flood efficiency, inter-well communication, and pressure maintenance.
Evaluation of a Conservative Pharmacist-led U-500R Insulin Management Protocol in the Primary Care Setting.

ObjectiveThe objective of this quality assurance study is to evaluate the impact of a conservative, pharmacist-led, U-500R insulin management protocol on diabetes control (A1c) and total daily dosa...
Red Bull (Abridged)

This case (an abridged version of UVA-M-0663) describes the history of the Red Bull brand and how the company stimulated and harnessed word of mouth to build a new product category (functional energy drinks) and brand franchise. The case concludes by asking the reader to consider where Red Bull will take its brand, product line, and marketing next, in light of many competitive challenges in the United States. The case was written to foster discussion of nontraditional brand-building strategies and the growing globalization of brands and products targeted toward younger consumers. Excerpt UVA-M-0849 Rev. Oct. 22, 2013 RED BULL (ABRIDGED) We don't bring the product to the people. We bring people to the product. —Dietrich Mateschitz, founder, Red Bull GmbH Figure 1. A can of Red Bull. . . .
Excellent outcomes with liver transplantation in hepatopulmonary syndrome across pre-transplant PaO2 spectrum

Background & Aims Significantly worse survival has been reported in patients with hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) and partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) Methods A retrospective analysis of 1,152 HPS candidates listed with an approved HPS model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) exception was performed. A Fine and Gray competing risks model was utilised to evaluate pre-transplant outcomes for PaO2 thresholds of Results Patients with a PaO2 50 mmHg was 6.2%. Conclusions Patients with a PaO2 Lay summary A total of 1,152 patients with hepatopulmonary syndrome listed for liver transplant were analysed. Patients with a low PaO2
Developing New Academic Programs in the Medical/Health Humanities: A Toolkit to Support Continued Growth.

Academic programs in the medical/health humanities have proliferated widely in recent years, and the professional, academic, and cultural drivers of this growth promise sustained new program development. In this article, we present the results of a survey sent to representatives of one hundred twenty-four baccalaureate and ten graduate programs in the medical/health humanities to assess the experiences and needs of existing programs. Survey results confirm the interest in and need for a descriptive toolkit as opposed to a prescriptive manual; indicate what data and materials are most needed to support the successful development of new academic programs in the field; and identify areas for future research. Recognizing a need for program development resources, the Health Humanities Consortium (HHC) has initiated the creation of a comprehensive online toolkit. We discuss survey results and the toolkit in relation to the drivers of new program growth. Finally, we describe resources now available through the HHC’s new online program toolkit, including existing programs; sample syllabi; sample curricula templates; program rationale; proposal templates; and graduation data.
Case 29-2021: A 12-Month-Old Boy with Fever and Developmental Regression.

A Boy with Fever and Developmental Regression A 12-month-old boy with Hirschsprung’s disease was admitted with fever, generalized weakness, intermittent diffuse rash, and regression of crawling. He...
Cocaine sensitization is mediated by proteasome function in an activity-dependent manner

Exposure to addictive drugs can produce structural and functional modifications in neurons and synapses that entail the dynamic regulation of protein synthesis and degradation. Protein degradation is mediated by the ubiquitin proteasome system. Recently, it was discovered that CaMKIIa regulates the proteasome by phosphorylating the ATPase 19S regulatory particle subunit of the 26S proteasome, Rpt6, at serine 120 in an activity-dependent fashion. Based on these findings, a line of phospho-mimetic, S120D knock-in mice was generated. Behavioral sensitization, an enhanced sensitivity to a drug's effects is characterized by increased psychomotor activation and is accompanied by major structural remodeling. Here, we investigated the effects of proteasomal function in sensitization. S120D and WT mice received three training sessions during which mice were injected with cocaine (15 mg/kg, i.p) and activity was assessed. Mice then underwent a post-training sensitization challenge test, consisting of a final inject...
Growth forecasts using time series and growth models

The authors consider two alternative methods of forecasting real per capita GDP at various horizons: 1) univariate time series models estimated country by country; and 2) cross-country growth regressions. They evaluate the out-of-sample forecasting performance of both approaches for a large sample of industrial and developing countries. They find only modest differences between the two approaches. In almost all cases, differences in median (across countries) forecast performance are small relative to the large discrepancies between forecasts and actual outcomes. Interestingly, the performance of both models is similar to that of forecasts generated by the World Bank's Unified Survey. The results do not provide a compelling case for one approach over another, but they do indicate that there are potential gains from combining time series and growth-regression-based forecasting approaches.
Pancreas cancer survival in the gemcitabine era.

After multiple positive studies, gemcitabine, approved for the treatment of pancreas cancer by the FDA in 1977, became standard of care. Whether this therapeutic advance has translated into longer survival for pancreas cancer patients in general has not been established. This study, derived from SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program of the National Cancer Institute) data, compared the survival experiences of the gemcitabine (1998 – 2004) and pre-gemcitabine (1988-1997) eras for 7,151 patients who had metastatic disease and did not undergo extirpative surgery , 14,369 patients who had not undergone surgery and had metastases, 5,042 patients who had undergone surgery and did not have metastases, and 5,011 patients who had undergone surgery and had metastases. Calculated survival time ratios (TR) were adjusted for radiotherapy history, grade, nodal status, loco-regional extent of disease, age, race, and gender. For those who did not undergo extirpative surgery, improvements in survival in the gemcitabine era (1998-2004) versus the prior time period (1988-1997) seen for patients with metastatic cancer (TR = 1.20, 95% c.i. 1.15 – 1.25) were not seen for those without metastatic cancer (TR = 1.05, 95% c.i. 1.00 – 1.15). For those who did undergo extirpative surgery, improvements were much more dramatic for those with metastatic cancer (TR = 1.61, 95% c.i. 1.45 – 1.80) than those without metastases (TR = 1.23, 95% c.i. 1.15 – 1.31). The results are consistent with the notion that the promising findings with respect to gemcitabine in the controlled clinical trials have found expression in the general population of patients with pancreas cancer.
The convergence of emerging information and communication technologies: Implications for business

A central tenet of network based technologies is their ability to eliminate geographical, distance and time constraints that have traditionally manifest themselves as boundaries encapsulating and protecting local business institutions from the more harsh realities of global competitive forces. The convergence of information and communication technologies in the Internet is not only of technological relevance, but also holds substantial implications for business in removing traditional boundaries and barriers to business operations.
Jump Time and Passage Time: The Duration ofs a Quantum Transition

It is ironic that experimentally time is the most accurately measured physical quantity, while in quantum mechanics one must struggle to provide a definition of so practical a concept as time of arrival. Historically, one of the first temporal quantities analyzed in quantum mechanics was lifetime, a property of an unstable state. The theory of this quantity is satisfactory in two ways. First, with only the smallest of white lies, one predicts exponential decay, and generally this is what one sees. Second, at the quantitative level, one finds good agreement with a simply derived formula, the Fermi-Dirac Golden rule, Γ = 2π/ħρ(E)|〈f|H|i|2. (4.1) Equation (4.1) uses standard notation. Γ is the transition rate from an initial (unstable) state |i〉 to a final state |f〉. The transition occurs by means of a Hamiltonian H. The density of (final) states is ρ, evaluated at the (common) energy of the states |i〉 and |f〉. In terms of Γ, the lifetime is τL = 1/Γ
Primary cosmic-ray positrons and negatrons in 1968 at energies between 11 and 204 MeV

The cosmic-ray positron and negatron spectra between 11 and 204 MeV have been measured in a series of 3 high-altitude balloon flights launched from Fort Churchill, Manitoba, on July 16, July 21, and July 29, 1968. The detector system consisted of a magnetic spectrometer utilizing a 1000-gauss permanent magnet, scintillation counters, and a lucite Cerenkov counter. Launches were timed so that the ascent through the 100 g/cm 2 level of residual atmosphere occurred after the evening geomagnetic cutoff transition. Data gathered during ascent are used to correct for the contribution of atmospheric secondary electrons to the flux measured at float altitude. All flights floated near 2.4 g/cm 2 . A pronounced morning intensity increase was observed in each flight. We present daytime positron and negatron data which support the interpretation of the diurnal flux variation as a change in the local geomagnetic cutoff. A large diurnal variation was observed in the count rate of positrons and negatrons with magnetic rigidities less than 11 MV and is evidence that the nighttime cutoff was well below this value. Using nighttime data we derive extraterrestrial positron and negatron spectra. The positron-to-total-electron ratio which we measure indicates that the interstellar secondary, or collision, source contributes ≾50 percent of the electron flux within this energy interval. By comparing our measured positron spectrum with the positron spectrum calculated for the collision source we derive the absolute solar modulation for positrons in 1968. Assuming negligible energy loss during modulation, we derive the total interstellar electron spectrum as well as the spectrum of directly accelerated, or primary, electrons. We examine the effect of adiabatic deceleration and find that many of the conclusions regarding the interstellar electron spectrum are not significantly altered for an assumed energy loss of up to 50 percent of the original energy.
The ability of renal ultrasound and ureteral jet evaluation to predict 30-day outcomes in patients with suspected nephrolithiasis

Abstract Study objective We sought to identify findings on bedside renal ultrasound that predicted need for hospitalization in patients with suspected nephrolithiasis. Methods A convenience sample of patients with suspected nephrolithiasis was prospectively enrolled and underwent bedside ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder to determine the presence and degree of hydronephrosis and ureteral jets. Sonologists were blinded to any other laboratory and imaging data. Patients were followed up at 30 days by phone call and review of medical records. Results Seventy-seven patients with suspected renal colic were included in the analysis. Thirteen patients were admitted. Reasons for admission included intractable pain, infection, or emergent urologic intervention. All 13 patients requiring admission had hydronephrosis present on initial bedside ultrasound. Patients with moderate hydronephrosis had a higher admission rate (36%) than those with mild hydronephrosis (24%), P Conclusions No patients with suspected renal colic and absence of hydronephrosis on bedside ultrasound required admission within 30 days. Ureteral jet evaluation did not help in prediction of 30-day outcomes and may not be useful in the emergency department management of renal colic.
Sensory transduction in vomeronasal neurons: evidence for G alpha o, G alpha i2, and adenylyl cyclase II as major components of a pheromone signaling cascade

The mammalian vomeronasal organ (VNO) is an accessory olfactory structure implicated in the sensing of pheromones. Although virtually nothing is known about sensory transduction in the mammalian VNO, recent findings have raised the possibility that it proceeds via a G-protein-coupled mechanism and involves a cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channel as in the nasal olfactory epithelium. To investigate this possibility, we cloned G-protein alpha subunits, adenylyl cyclases, and guanylyl cyclases that are expressed in the VNO and examined their patterns of expression. Of seven G alpha subunits identified as being expressed in the VNO, we found that mRNAs encoding only two, G alpha o and G alpha i2, are highly expressed in VNO neurons. Moreover, G alpha o and G alpha i2 are highly expressed by separate subsets of neurons that are located in different regions of the VNO neuroepithelium. Immunohistochemical studies show that both G alpha o and G alpha i2 are enriched in VNO microvilli, suggesting that G-proteins containing both of these alpha subunits may be involved in VNO sensory transduction. Of the adenylyl and guanylyl cyclases that we cloned, we found that only one, adenylyl cyclase type II, is highly expressed in VNO neurons; furthermore, it is expressed by both G alpha o+ and G alpha i2+ subsets. Our findings suggest that spatially segregated subsets of VNO neurons may use different, but related, sensory transduction pathways in which G-proteins and an adenylyl cyclase play major roles.
Catalyst Selectivity Under Steady‐State and Dynamic Operation: An Investigation of Several Kinetic Mechanisms

Using a definition of catalyst selectivity presented in a previous paper, comparisons are made between the selectivities for several kinetic mechanisms under steady-state and dynamic operations. The effects of surface coverage and competition for active sites are examined. The results obtained have several interesting practical implications. Unter Benutzung einer bereits in einer fruheren Arbeit veroffentlichten Definition der Katalysatorselektivitat werden Vergleiche zwischen den Selektivitaten fur verschiedene kinetische Mechanismen bei stationarem und dynamischem Betrieb angestellt. Die Einflusse der Oberflachenbedeckung und der Konkurrenz um aktive Stellen werden untersucht. Aus den Resultaten ergeben sich einige fur die Praxis interessante Folgerungen.
Effect of vitamin A on development of the central nervous system

Pregnant rats and mice were treated with large doses of vitamin A to examine its effect on the closure of the neural groove in the developing embryo. In the rat the most effective dose was 30,000 U.S.P. units given at day 8, 9, and 10 of pregnancy. Twenty-six per cent of the implanted embryos showed anencephaly and/or myeloschisis. In the mouse the results of vitamin A treatment were inconsistent. In 12-day rat embryos, the lateral walls of the diencephalon and mesencephalon were slightly everted. Mitotic neuro-epithelial cells were frequently piled up two or three rows thick, causing a disruption of the internal limiting membrane. Many cells were characterized by a bleb-like cytoplasmic evagination protruding into the lumen. During the following days, the everted walls of the diencephalon and mesencephalon expanded farther and farther over the sides of the head, thereby often covering the lateral hemispheres and the eyes. Although the hemispheres were displaced by the everted diencephalic plates and the eyes were frequently buried deep inside the head, histological differentiation proceeded normally and a primitive cerebral cortex as well as normal eye structures were observed. The accumulation of mitotic figures, the formation of cytoplasmic protrusions, and the presence of small neuro-epithelial rosettes throughout the brain were the most striking cytological anomalies. By the eighteenth day of development, small hemorrhages occurred in the mesenchyme surrounding the brain and degeneration became apparent. At birth a small amount of degenerated brain tissue was all that remained from the large exencephalic brain, and the newborn had the appearance of an anencephalic. It is concluded that large doses of vitamin A prevent the neural groove from closing, possibly by interfering with the Cell membrane and/or the mitotic activity of the neuro-epithelial cells.
Optimal resource allocation in a bandwidth exchange enabled relay network

We investigate an incentive mechanism called Bandwidth Exchange (BE) for cooperative forwarding where transmission bandwidth is used as a flexible resource. We focus on a network where two nodes, communicating with the base station (BS) / access point (AP), initially get optimal amount of bandwidth based on direct path transmission and then use their individual bandwidths as flexible incentives for two hop relaying. In our proposed scenario, the forwarder node sends its own data along with the data of the sender in exchange for additional transmission bandwidth, provided by the sender. We compare the performance of the proposed mechanism with optimal bandwidth and power allocation based direct transmission. We use sum rate, max-min rate and min-max power as the evaluation criteria and prove the convex/concave nature of the optimization problem formulations. Our numerical analysis shows that the BE based cooperative forwarding extends the coverage in wireless networks when the far node falls in outage under direct transmission. Further, BE significantly improves the max-min rate and min-max power performance of the network.
Spatially Selective Mask for Single Pixel Video Rate Imaging

We present a spatially selective mask that is used with a single pixel detector to reconstruct images in real-time. Reconstructed image sizes are variable; the mask works in multiple electromagnetic regimes. Experimental results are shown.
A correlational investigation of anxiety, self-esteem and depression: New findings with behavioral measures of assertiveness

Abstract The present study investigated the relationship between anxiety, self-esteem, depression and assertiveness in in-patient male alcoholics. Fifty-five of these subjects completed the Multiple Affect Adjective Check List, a paper-and-pencil test of anxiety and depression, and a self-esteem index. Assertive social skills were assessed behaviorally by role-playing standardized interpersonal situations. The results were interpreted as offering some support for the depression theories of Wolpe, Beck and Lewinsohn and strong support for Wolpe's hypothesis that anxiety is incompatible with assertive behavior. No evidence was found to support the contention that an assertive individual is more likely to feel positively about himself.
1,25-Dihydroxycholecalciferol rapidly activates rat colonic particulate guanylate cyclase via a protein kinase C-dependent mechanism.

The present studies were performed to determine whether the major biologically active metabolite of vitamin D3, 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol [1,25(OH)2D3], could influence the activities of rat colonic particulate guanylate cyclase and adenylate cyclase. To address these issues, colonocytes were harvested from Sprague-Dawley rats and suspended in Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate buffer. The cells were then treated with 1,25(OH)2D3 or other agents (see below) and crude membranes were prepared and analyzed for particulate guanylate cyclase and adenylate cyclase activities. The results of these studies demonstrated that: 1) 1,25(OH)2D3, in a concentration-dependent manner, rapidly (within minutes) stimulated guanylate, but not adenylate cyclase activity; 2) preincubation of the cells with staurosporine, a protein kinase inhibitor, or U73122, an inhibitor of phosphoinositide-phospholipase C-dependent processes, blocked the increase in guanylate cyclase activity induced by 1,25(OH)2D3; and 3) 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorb...
The US Supreme Court got it wrong in Arizona v. Gant: the Court changed a long‐standing rule of constitutional law and muddied the legal waters for both the police and the courts

For almost 30 years, police officers who lawfully arrested the occupants of motor vehicles routinely searched the passenger compartment of these vehicles for weapons and evidence of crime. The constitutional authority to engage in these searches came from the clear bright‐line direction of the United States Supreme Court in New York v. Belton. In Arizona v. Gant, the Court decided to make a major change in the law regarding these searches and has now muddied the legal waters for both the police and the courts.
Quantification of pulsed ion currents produced in resonance ionization mass spectrometry

Abstract An evaluation is made of a measurement system that quantifies the pulsed ion currents produced in resonance ionization mass spectrometry. An electron multiplier detector operated at intermediate gain has been combined with a preamplifier and a transient digitizer. The output of the transient digitizer is processed in real time so that no ionization information is lost. The linearity, pulse height distributions, and gain of the detector system have been examined. Operation of the detector in pulse counting and analog modes is demonstrated. Ratio measurements representative of these detection modes are presented for 185Re/187Re and 184Os/192Os.
Ultrastructure and function of the attachment organ of gasterophilus eggs (Diptera : Gasterophilidae)

Abstract Initial host-parasite contact of the horse bot flies was investigated. The attachment organ (AO) on eggs of Gasterophilus intestinalis. G. nasalis , and G. pecorum (Diptera : Gasterophilidae) were examined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Two AO types were distinguished, based on gross morphology, microstructure, and substrate used for attachment. The components of the Type-I AO (ventrally-situated) include: 2 lateral flanges; thousands of exochorionic filaments; an anteflange area; a groove surrounded by a stretchable sheath; supportive columns; and adhesive. The Type-II AO (basally-situated) components include: an attachment sheath; supportive columns; endochorionic filaments; and a coat of adhesive. Comparing AO microstructure before and after attachment to substrate led to conclusions on AO dynamics. In the Type-I AO, flanges and filaments separate, allowing the hair to enter the groove. The sheath simultaneously expands to accommodate the hair. Filaments and flanges rapidly return to their normal configuration and encircle the hair. Adhesive on the groove and filaments hardens around the hair shaft. In the Type-II AO, filaments conform closely to the underlying substrate and the adhesive hardens. Long-term AO attachment results from AO components that promote stress resistance.
Effects of a Water Aerobics Program on the Blood Pressure, Percentage of Body Fat, Weight, and Resting Pulse Rate of Senior Citizens:

Ten men and 18 women aged 57 to 76 participated in a 16-week water exercise class at Rose State College, Oklahoma City. The class met for one hour twice a week for the 16 weeks and was composed of flexibility exercises, aerobic exercises, and cool-down exercises. Pre- and postclass measurements were taken for blood pressure, weight, percentage of body fat, and resting pulse rate and were compared using a paired t-test. Reductions significant at the .05 level were recorded for diastolic blood pressure, weight, and percentage of body fat. There were no significant reductions in systolic blood pressure and resting pulse rate. I concluded that water aerobics is an ideal modality for senior citizens'aerobic exercise because of the favorable changes it produces in the health parameters investigated and because it places little stress on the weight-bearing joints during exercise.
Pilgrimage and profession.

I have been asked to reflect on my personal and professional pathways in order to share how they have influenced my experience as a clinical ethics consultant in both sectarian and secular settings. Each individual involved in medicine and in ethics consultation brings with him or her a world view, a set of personal values that influences how he or she interacts with patients and addresses difficult decisions. How close to the surface, how visible or invisible those values are, varies from individual to individual. My values are close to the surface and may occasionally be visible.