cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A theoretical framework for research on learning from graphics

Abstract Recent advances in computer software and hardware have made it easy for people without skill in instructional design to create diagrams, charts and graphs, and have led to the inclusion of these graphics in all manner of applications. The development of a theory of how people learn from graphics leading to a prescriptive theory for their design is therefore urgently required. Such a theory must consist of a thorough description of the symbol system of graphics and of an account of how the symbolic elements of graphics influence preattentive and attentive perceptual and cognitive processes that lead to their interpretation by students. This chapter sketches such a theory and illustrates it with research on visual perception and learning from graphics.
Structure and quantity of fructan oligomers in oat (Avena spp.)

SUMMARY Fructan in oat had previously been separated and quantified according to size class. To determine structure, fructan oligomers with a degree of polymerization (DP) of 3–5 were separated and purified by HPLC using a combination of ion exchange and reversed-phase chromatography. Linkage analysis was performed on purified oligomers using gas chromatography, mass spectroscopy of partially methylated alditol acetates. DP 3 isomers consisted predominantly of 1-kestose and neokestose. Three DP 4 isomers were based on neokestose and one of the 3 isomers contained 2,6-linkages. In addition, the seven DP 5 isomers purified were also based on neokestose with two isomers containing 2,6-linkages exclusively, three with 1,2-linkages exclusively and two with both 2,6-and 2,1-linkages. A fructan fraction obtained by ethanol precipitation had an average DP of 12–3 and consisted exclusively of neokestose-based isomers with 2,6-linkages and no branching. Standard curves were obtained with the 13 purified oligomers and the curves were used to quantify oligomers in 49 oat accessions from five species. On a fresh weight basis the fructo-oligomer in highest concentration in all but 3 of the accessions was 6G,6-kestotetraose (F2-6F2-6G1-2F).
Uniform frequency of parkinsonian resting tremor in the lips, jaw, tongue, and index finger

Parkinsonian resting tremor was examined in the lips, jaw, tongue, and index finger using electromyography (EMG) and displacement transduction. Long-term spectral averaging of tremor movement and EMG signals revealed that resting tremor frequencies were remarkably uniform across these orofacial and hand structures within the same parkinsonian subjects. However, marked variability in tremor spectral amplitude across structures and subtle moment-to-moment variations in tremor period, amplitude, and waveform shape were also observed. Although these observations argue for a central source of tremor, it appears that interactive central and/or peripheral neural circuitry may yield variations in tremor characteristics.
Is what we clearly see really so obvious? Ultrasonography and transcervical embryo transfer—a review

Objective To critically review the role of ultrasound-guided embryo transfer (ET) and its influence on the outcome of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Design Medline review of published manuscripts. Result(s) Studies evaluating the role of ultrasound-assisted ET have had mixed results, and although meta-analysis of prospective trials suggests an improvement in outcome, limitations in study design may overstate the effect of ultrasonography. Other ET techniques may eliminate the advantages provided by ultrasonography, limiting its benefit to specific clinical scenarios. However, because no trial has demonstrated an adverse effect and because cases that may benefit from its use often cannot be predicted reliably, the routine application of ultrasonography can be justified.
Efficient 1 μm to 8-12 μm OPO converter

Development of an OPO wavelength conversion scheme is currently in progress that converts the 1 micrometers output from a diode-pumped laser, to the 8 - 12 micrometers spectral region for remote chemical sensing applications. Preliminary results from the non-optimized first stage OPO, which uses an x-cut KTA crystal, show a 21% energy conversion efficiency from 1 micrometers to 2.59 micrometers . The 2.59 micrometers output will then be used to pump a CdSe OPO to generate tunable 8 - 12 micrometers idler wave output.
Distributed demand response algorithms against semi-honest adversaries

This paper investigates two problems for demand response: demand allocation market and demand shedding market. By utilizing reinforcement learning, stochastic approximation and secure multi-party computation, we propose two distributed algorithms to solve the induced games respectively. The proposed algorithms are able to protect the privacy of the market participants, including the system operator and end users. The algorithm convergence is formally ensured and the algorithm performance is verified via numerical simulations.
Energy levels in 151Eu and 153Eu

Abstract Energy levels of 151 Eu and 153 Eu were populated by Coulomb excitation with 12 MeV alpha particles. Alpha particles scattered at 110° and 145° were analysed in a magnetic spectrograph. Levels were located in 151 Eu at these energies: 195, 313, 511, 580, 604, 718, 775, 810(?), 900 (multiplet), 963 and 1106 keV. In 153 Eu levels were located at 87, 194,487(?), 572, 627 and 717 keV. Reduced transition probabilities were also determined. The level energies are consistent with new (α, α'γ) and (d, d') data, but a clear interpretation of excited levels of the europium isotopes has not been established.
Jerome Cornfield and the methodology of clinical trials.

Abstract Jerome Cornfield was a major contributor to the theory of clinical trials and a valued advisor on the conduct of many of the major trials. In a contribution to the Reed-Frost symposium in 1976, Cornfield expressed his views on the contribution of the Bayesian outlook to clinical trials methodology. Here we reexamine and comment on some of the same issues—in particular, on the uses and usefulness of likelihood ratios and prior opinions and on the role of randomization.
Application of a stochastic model to estimate children’s short-term residential exposure to lead

The Cumulative and Aggregate Simulation of Exposure (CASE) framework is an innovative simulation tool for exploring non-dietary exposures to environmental contaminants. Built upon the Dermal Exposure Reduction Model (DERM) and established methods for collecting detailed human activity patterns, the CASE framework improves upon its predecessor. Although prompted in part by the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996 and the need to assess aggregate exposure to pesticides, the framework was designed to be flexible enough to assess exposure to other contaminants. This paper examines features of the CASE framework in an illustrative application estimating children’s dermal and non-dietary ingestion exposure to lead in the residential environment. Concentration values in various media are taken from a nationwide study and exposure factors are obtained from the literature. Activity pattern input includes sequential micro-level activities collected for 20 children (ages 1 through 6). Modeled results are explored via classification trees and sensitivity analysis. Results of each exposure route are also compared to independent data. Median dermal exposure estimates were 589 and 558 μg/m3 for the right and left hands, respectively, with the resulting output most sensitive to exposure factor terms. The simulation estimated a median non-dietary ingestion rate of 9.5 μg of lead per day with estimates most sensitive to the surface area of mouthed objects.
Electron number density in a slightly ionized gas (argon inductively coupled plasma)

Abstract An equation defning the electron number density, ne in an argon inductively coupled plasma (ICP) regarded as a slightly ionized gas, is derived in terms of the thennodynamic temperature and the electronic chemical potential of the parent species in the ionization. The ICP is not regarded as being in a state of local thennodynamic equilibrium, but instead is considered to be an example of a thennodynamic steady state. The derivation requires nothing more advanced than elementary statistical thermodynamics, and the result is compared in detail with the Saha relation. It is shown that the new equation requires thermodynamic temperatures much lower than those from the Saha relation, and other areas of atomic emission spectroscopy to which the basic formulation is applicable are indicated
Laser therapy for refractory myringitis in children.

OBJECTIVE: We present the application and initial results of a CO2 laser technique for the treatment of medically refractory chronic granular myringitis (CGM).STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective case series of 15 treated ears in 13 consecutive patients between the ages of 6 and 14 years (median age, 9.0 years) cared for in a tertiary care specialty hospital.RESULTS: Eleven of 15 treated ears had total resolution of CGM and associated symptoms; median follow-up time was 10 months. Three ears were improved, and 1 ear remained unchanged. Three of 5 preoperative tympanic membrane perforations healed after laser treatment; 1 patient developed a postoperative, dry perforation. Hearing was not impaired in any patient tested.CONCLUSION: Preliminary results suggest that CGM, when refractory to medical treatment, can often be treated effectively by a single laser treatment.
Alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient in acute pulmonary embolism in pregnancy.

Objective : Our goal was to determine the prevalence of normal alveolar-arterial gradients in pregnant patients with documented pulmonary embolism. Study Design : A retrospective chart review was performed on all pregnant women with pulmonary embolism at two large obstetric centers between 1990 and 1995. Alveolar-arterial gradients were calculated from room air arterial blood gas values and compared with values from patients who had been established as normal. Results : Ten of 17 patients with pulmonary embolism identified had alveolar-arterial gradients that were normal. Conclusions : In our study 58% of pregnant women with documented pulmonary embolism had a normal alveolar-arterial gradient. This markedly differs from the published data in nonpregnant patients, in which the incidence of normal alveolar-arterial gradients in pulmonary embolism has ranged from 1.9% to 20%. This suggests that the alveolar-arterial gradient should not be used to determine the likelihood of pulmonary embolism in pregnant women because this could lead to the withholding of appropriate treatment for this life-threatening condition.
Seminars in Thrombosis, Thrombolysis and Vascular Biology

Platelets contribute to normal hemostasis by adhering to subendothelial tissues after vascular damage has taken place and then recruiting additional platelets through the process of aggregation. Activ
Cluster Sets of Self-Normalized Sums

We determine the cluster sets of certain self-normalized sums of i.i.d. random variables. In the process, we obtain a refined large deviation result for sums in the domain of attraction of a stable law.
Control of the Escherichia coli Sialoregulon by Transcriptional Repressor NanR

NanR, one of >8,500 GntR superfamily helix-turn-helix transcriptional regulators, controls expression of the genes required for catabolism of sialic acids in Escherichia coli. It is predicted to do the same in related bacteria harboring orthologs of nanR. The sialic acids are a family of over 40 naturally occurring nine-carbon keto-sugar acids found mainly in the animal lineage, which includes starfish to humans in the deuterostome lineage. Sialic acids function in development, immunity, protein localization and stability, and homeostasis. They also serve as microbial carbon and nitrogen sources and ligands for cell recognition during host colonization. The importance of microbial sialic acid metabolism for host-microbe interactions has made it a target for therapeutic development. Exploiting this target depends on understanding sialometabolic pathways in a wide range of evolutionarily distinct bacteria. Here, we show by transcriptome, genetic, and biochemical analyses that the most common sialic acid, N-acetylneuraminate, induces the nanATEK-yhcH, yjhATS (nanCMS), and yjhBC operons by directly inactivating NanR, converting the predominantly dimeric form of the repressor to an inactive monomer of approximately 30-kDa. Additionally, other results identify critical amino acid residues and nucleotides in the regulator and operator, respectively. The combined results better define how sialic acids, acting through NanR, affect the metabolic flux of an important group of host-derived metabolites. Thus, E. coli serves as a valuable model for understanding sialocatabolic pathways in bacteria.
Mechanistic Variations Due to the Solvation State in the Reaction of MeLi in Dimer and Trimer Aggregates with Formaldehyde

An ab initio study (MP2/6-31+G*//HF/6-31+G*) has been performed to investigate how solvation affects the mechanism in carbonyl addition of methyllithium (MeLi) in dimeric and trimeric complexes to formaldehyde. The computations were performed on a homo-dimer of MeLi and a hetero-dimer and -trimer of MeLi and amide base. Results show that a polar solvation comprising one formaldehyde and one water molecule around the lithium ions, coordinating the reactive methyl group, causes the addition to occur according to a concerted mechanism involving a four-membered-ring transition state. However, a hydrophobic solvent and a low substrate concentration promote a nonconcerted mechanism involving ring opening of the dimers and the trimer.
Improved Method for the Measurement of Asperity Compliance of Magnetic Tapes

Asperity compliance of typical magnetic tapes is investigated as a function of contact pressure using intensity-based three-wavelength interferometry. Each spacing data is the average of 300 x 100 physical points. Asperity compliance curves for BaFe tape, MP tape, ME tape, and CrO 2 tape were obtained. The experimental data was curve-fit using a parabolic contact model and the Greenwood-Williamson contact model. In addition, a comparison of the present results with previous measurements is presented.
Psychosomatic medicine and consultation-liaison psychiatry: past, present, and future.

Although "psychosomatic meducine" and "consultation-liaison psychiatry" are imprecise terms, they continue to be useful in describing, respectively, theoretical constructs of the relationship between psychiatry and the rest of medicine and the day-to-day applications of these constructs. The history of these fields encompasses many contributions of psychoanalysis, including the formulation of specificity theory and the so mo topsychic-psychosomatic process, as well as the work of Henry, Gregg, and Engel. Currently, their scope incorporates a large and expanding group of physical illnesses and clinical settings. Like the rest of medicine, these fields will continue to feel the effects of reduced federal support, a consumer-oriented society, and increased regulation. However, with advances in psychosomatic theory and broader clinical and research activity, induding that stemming from biological psychiatry, the future of psychosomatic medicine and consultation-liaison psychiatry seems positive.
Adolescent Friendships, BMI, and Physical Activity: Untangling Selection and Influence Through Longitudinal Social Network Analysis

Bioecological theory suggests that adolescents' health is a result of selection and socialization processes occurring between adolescents and their microsettings. This study examines the association between adolescents' friends and health using a social network model and data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (N = 1,896, mean age = 15.97 years). Results indicated evidence of friend influence on BMI and physical activity. Friendships were more likely among adolescents who engaged in greater physical activity and who were similar to one another in BMI and physical activity. These effects emerged after controlling for alternative friend selection factors, such as endogenous social network processes and propinquity through courses and activities. Some selection effects were moderated by gender, popularity, and reciprocity.
Application of danckwerts' solution to simultaneous diffusion and chemical reaction in concrete

A methodology is presented for the determination of chloride diffusivities when there is simultaneous chloride diffusion and reaction. The methodology does not expressly incorporate a choloride binding mechanism. The chloride diffusivities are comparable to those calculated with the Langmuir binding isotherm.
Towards fairness and efficiency in storage systems

Fairness and overall I/O efficiency are two opposing forces when it comes to sharing I/O among different applications. Although providing QoS guarantees for applications sharing a storage server are desirable under many scenarios, existing work has not been able to make a convincing case for using fairness mechanisms for disk scheduling, mainly due to their impact on overall throughout. In this work, we plan to investigate two major issues: (1) study the trade-off between fairness and efficiency, and develop mechanisms to improve the I/O efficiency of fair schedulers (2) provide performance guarantees to applications in terms of higher-level application metrics (such as transactions/sec), by changing the parameters in a fairness algorithm that affect the allocations at the block level.
Mechanistic systems models of cell signaling networks: a case study of myocyte adrenergic regulation.

Signal transduction networks coordinate a wide variety of cellular functions, including gene expression, metabolism, and cell fate processes. Understanding biological networks quantitatively is a major challenge to post-genomic biology, and mechanistic systems models will be crucial for this task. Here, we review approaches towards developing mechanistic systems models of established cell signaling networks. The ability of mechanistic system models to generate testable biological hypotheses and experimental strategies is discussed. As a case study of model development and analysis, we examined the functional roles of phospholamban, the L-type calcium channel, the ryanodine receptor, and troponin I phosphorylation upon β-adrenergic stimulation in the rat ventricular myocyte. Model analysis revealed that while protein kinase A-mediated phosphorylation of the ryanodine receptor greatly increases its calcium sensitivity, calcium autoregulation may adapt quickly by negating potential increases in contractility. Systematic combinations of in silico perturbations supported the conclusion that phospholamban phosphoregulation is the primary mechanism for increased sarcoplasmic reticulum load and calcium relaxation rate during β-adrenergic stimulation, while both phospholamban and the L-type calcium channel contribute to increased systolic calcium. Combined with detailed experimental studies, mechanistic systems models will be valuable for developing a quantitative understanding of cell signaling networks.
Being Narrow While Being Broad: The Importance of Construct Specificity and Theoretical Generality

This article considers Gunderson et al.’s (2011) analysis of the intergenerational transmission of mathematics attitudes in light of broader knowledge about the nature of attitudes. It makes two primary points. First, many of the constructs that Gunderson et al. include under the umbrella of “attitude” are theoretically and psychometrically distinct. Researchers who follow the agenda laid out by Gunderson et al. should take care to carefully define their constructs. Second, using the literature on the intergenerational transmission of implicit attitudes as a starting point, this commentary explores specific ways in which children’s mathematics attitudes may arise as a function of their parents’ and teachers’ attitudes.
Basic chemistry of a new cycle, based on reactions of Ce(III) titanate, for splitting water☆

Abstract The chemistry of a new thermochemical cycle for splitting water is described. It consists essentially of three reactions: (a) Ce(IV), as CeO 2 , is reduced to Ce(III) by reaction with TiO 2 , evolving oxygen and forming one or more Ce(III) titanates; (b) the Ce(III) titanates react with molten NaOH to evolve hydrogen, and form CeO 2 and Na-titanate; and (c) the sodium titanate is hydrolyzed by boiling water into a hydrous titanium dioxide and a sodium hydroxide solution. The cycle has been demonstrated with regenerated materials.
Impact of isoflurane anesthesia on D2 receptor occupancy by [18F]fallypride measured by microPET with a modified Logan plot.

UNLABELLED In the previous work, we reported a method that utilized imaging data collected from 60 to 120 min following [(18) F]fallypride administration to estimate the distribution volume ratio DVR' (DVR' ∝ DVR; DVR = 1 + BP(ND) , where BP(ND) is a measure of receptor density, DA D2 in this case). In this work, we use this method to assess the effects of isoflurane anesthesia on [(18) F]fallypride DVR'. METHODS Rats were injected with [(18) F]fallypride either unconsciously under ∼1.5% isoflurane via the tail vein (Group 1) or consciously via a catheter inserted either in the jugular vein (Group 2) or the tail vein (Group 3). After about 1 h of free access to food and water the rats were anesthetized with 1.5% isoflurane and imaged in a microPET for 60 min. The rats that were injected consciously (Groups 2 and 3) were placed in a rat restrainer during [(18) F]fallypride injection. They were habituated in that restrainer for 3 days prior to the experiment day to minimize restraint-related stress. For comparison, a control group of rats was imaged for 120 min simultaneously with the administration of [(18) F]fallypride i.v. while under 1.5% isoflurane. The DVR' estimates from the 60 min acquisitions were compared with the DVR' from the last 60 min of the 120 min acquisitions (after neglecting the first 60 min). In addition, the striatal time-activity curves were fit with a 2-tissue + plasma compartment model using an arbitrary simulated plasma input function to obtain k(3) /k(4) (≈ BP(ND) ) for the 60 and 120 min acquisitions. RESULTS Isoflurane anesthesia caused a significant reduction, up to 22%, in the DVR' estimates, which were 15.7 ± 0.3 (mean ± SE) for the controls, 17.7 ± 0.3 for Group 1, 19.2 ± 0.4 for Group 2, and 18.8 ± 0.7 for Group 3. The compartmental model fit produced similar results, ∼30% reduction in k(3) /k(4) for the 120-min acquisitions compared with the 60-min acquisitions (initial conscious uptake of the radiotracer). CONCLUSION The results of this study demonstrate that isoflurane anesthesia significantly decreases striatal [(18) F]fallypride BP(ND) in rats. Of similar importance, this work demonstrates the effectiveness of delayed scans following radiotracer injection and the implication that different types of studies can be conducted simultaneously with this method, including studies of behavioral and environmental impact on brain receptors.
Patterns of self‐regulatory strategy use among low‐achieving and high‐achieving university students

The present mixed‐methods study attempts to provide insights into the nature, idiosyncrasies, and inter‐ and intra‐individual patterns of academic self‐regulatory strategy use among two different populations of university students. Low‐achieving (n = 49) and high‐achieving students (n = 131) described their self‐regulatory strategy use in their academic work in postsecondary academic contexts. The “five top” strategies showed that there were differences as well as similarities in self‐regulatory strategy use among the two groups of students. Provocative findings revealed within‐ and between‐group differences in the patterns of self‐regulatory strategy use among low achievers and high achievers, with some of the patterns cutting across both groups of students. Implications for gifted education are discussed.
Comparison of two systems of measuring energy expenditure.

Background: Health care professionals typically use resting metabolic rate (RMR) via indirect calorimetry to determine a person's energy expenditure. Traditional indirect calorimetry measurements involve an expensive, cumbersome piece of equipment that requires careful calibration. The recent development of a handheld indirect calorimeter makes it easier to measure RMR. The purpose of this study was to compare simultaneous measurements of RMR with handheld and traditional indirect calorimeters. Methods: Healthy, free-living subjects (n = 50) age 18 years and older were tested simultaneously with both indirect calorimeters. All subjects breathed through the handheld device using a mouthpiece while wearing noseclips to prevent leaks. The handheld indirect calorimetry device was placed inside a canopy. The exhaled gas from the handheld was positioned directly over the inlet to the port delivering gases to the traditional device's mixing chamber. The canopy facilitated the simultaneous collection of all expir...
Sodium sulphate induced rapid oxidation of a chromium-titanium-silicon coating on niobium alloy B-66

Abstract The influence of Na 2 SO 4 on the oxidation resistance of Cr-Ti-Si coatings on niobium alloy B-66 has been studied. Specimens contaminated by Na 2 SO 4 were oxidised at 1100, 1200 and 1300°C in air. Initial mass gains of contaminated specimens were considerably greater than those of uncontaminated specimens. The reaction initiating the accelerated oxidation appears to involve the accelerated dissociation of Na 2 SO 4 by the oxides SiO 2 , TiO 2 and Cr 2 O 3 , formed on the surface of the coating during oxidation. Subsequent to this dissociation a new, soft, oxide scale is formed that provides less oxidation protection to the underlying silicide zone than the original oxide scale, leading to the rapid oxidation of the coating, and to penetration of the sub-scale coating by interstitials. Some similarities between this work and studies of the hot corrosion of nickel and nickel-base superalloys are discussed.
Propylene Glycol Toxicity Following Continuous Etomidate Infusion For The Control Of Refractory Cerebral Edema

Continued elevations in Intracranial Pressure (ICP) following traumatic or ischemic compromise are known to cause markedly increased morbidity and mortality. Because of the side effects of barbiturates including hypotension and prolonged recovery time, the use of shorter-acting anesthetic agents to control ICP has been considered. Etomidate, when administered by continuous infusion, has been shown to decrease cerebral metabolism resulting in a secondary decrease in cerebral blood flow with minimal changes in cerebral perfusion pressure. We initially intended to randomize 20 patients prospectively into a study protocol that would assess the effects of either pentobarbital or the cardioprotective agent etomidate on ICP and cardiac performance. Given the sequelae of the therapy, we were only able to randomize seven patients with cerebral edema refractory to medical management to receive either etomidate or pentobarbital in a blinded fashion. Three patients who received etomidate developed renal compromise (mean low creatinine clearance 41 ml/min, range 37-44 ml/min) which was initially noted at 24 hours. We believed that this represented an adverse effect that was probably related to the study drug and the study was stopped. Each patient received a 0.30 mg/kg IV induction of etomidate and then 0.02 mg/kg/min continuous infusion for 24-72 hours titrated burst suppression. All patients also received dexamethasone 2 mg IV every six hours to prevent the adrenocortical insufficiency that might occur as a consequence of etomidate-induced suppression of cortisol synthesis. Intracranial pressure decreased (mean = 12mmHg) following the initiation of etomidate. Cardiac parameters remained unchanged (cardiac output 4.8 +/- .6 liters/min).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The binding of adenosine-3′,5′-monophosphate by messenger ribonucleoprotein-like particles

Summary Salt-washed ribosomal preparations contain ribonucleoprotein particles which bind adenosine-3′,5′-monophosphate. These particles have informosome-like density and contain adenosine-3′,5′-monophosphate-binding proteins of 35,000 to 42,000, 52,000 and > 130,000 molecular weight.
Interactive Graphics and Local Statistics

Exploratory spatial data analysis has a series of aims including determining spatial structure in the data, describing and visualizing geographical distributions, exploring spatial dependencies, measuring heterogeneity and identifying outliers. To quantify these phenomena a rich variety of statistics has been proposed. Standard methods use all the data for the entire area under study, yet this area has usually been arbitrarily bounded and may include quite distinctive geographic features. Local statistics are relatively independent of the global boundaries and they attempt to quantify how close a given datum is to the values in its neighbourhood. Since each local statistic focuses on slightly different aspects of the data the use of more than one is suggested. Interactive graphics methods help to link the information from different local statistics and dynamic tools can be used to visualize the effects of changing the neighbourhood definition.
Short-Term Outcomes after Laparoscopic-Assisted Proctectomy for Rectal Cancer: Results from the ACS NSQIP

Background Although numerous studies have demonstrated improved short-term outcomes after laparoscopic resection of colon cancer, the benefits of laparoscopic-assisted proctectomy (LAP) for rectal cancer are less clear. The current report addresses the need for a large multi-institutional study on early outcomes after proctectomy for cancer. Study Design Patients who underwent elective LAP or open proctectomy for cancer during 2005 to 2009 were identified from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) database. The frequency of postoperative complications and other early outcomes was determined. Multivariate logistic regression identified predictors of 30-day morbidity. Propensity scores, stratified by quintiles, were included in all multivariable models to partially adjust for nonrandom assignment of treatment. Results Of 5,420 patients who underwent surgery for rectal cancer, 4,380 underwent open proctectomy and 1,040 (19.2%) LAP. The LAP group had a lower frequency of blood transfusion (12.3% versus 4.3%; p Conclusions Compared with open proctectomy, LAP is associated with decreased length of stay and 30-day morbidity. If ongoing randomized clinical trials confirm oncologic equivalency, LAP might eventually replace open resection as the standard of care for the treatment of patients with resectable rectal cancer.
On the Low-Order Partial-Fraction Fitting of Dielectric Functions at Optical Wavelengths

Low-order partial-fraction (PF) fitting of optical dielectric functions from tabulated frequency data is investigated. Two rational function identification techniques are examined, viz., the Sanathanan-Koerner iteration and vector fitting, and it is found that these methods generate PF models of similar quality and both provide excellent starting solutions for further improvement by nonlinear optimizers. High-quality, wide-band PF models are obtained for several metals frequently encountered in plasmonic applications. These models are stable and well-suited for the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulation of light interaction with nanostructures. An efficient FDTD updating scheme for PF media is also demonstrated.
Aspects of the water balance of Oryzomys longicaudatus from northwest argentina

Abstract 1. 1. Oryzomys longicaudatus , which occurs in mesic peripheral areas of the lowland Monte Desert of northwestern Argentina, does not possess any pronounced abilities to exist without free water while on a seed diet in the laboratory. 2. 2. Physiological limitations to aridity may keep this species from colonizing arid desert microhabitats.
Nanocasting of hierarchical nanostructured porous carbon in molecular dynamics simulation

We developed a model template method mimicking the nanocasting process by introducing cylindrical templates during the quenched molecular dynamics process [Y. Shi, J. Chem. Phys., 2008, 128, 234707] to generate hierarchical nanostructured porous carbons (HNPCs). Bimodal pore size distributions with both mesopores (from templates) and micropores (from the direct quenching of the carbon source) were well developed during the mimetic nanocasting process. The structure and properties of the nanocast HNPCs can be tailored by various control parameters, such as the template–carbon interaction strength (et), the template radius (rt), the number density of the carbon source (ρ0) and the quench rate (qr). The mesopore wall is made of graphitic carbons, whose morphology can be well-controlled by et and high temperature heat treatments, while the microporous structure can be engineered by ρ0 and qr. The crystallinity of the mesopore wall and the structural integrity of HNPCs (characterized by the number of bridging bonds between the mesopore wall and the microporous region) can be balanced by fine-tuning the control parameters. The mimetic nanocasting method allows us to generate atomic models to quantify the relationship between the structure and properties of HNPCs, and to provide guidelines for identifying the optimal synthesis parameters for HNPCs with desired properties.
Secondary electron imagery of microcracks and hackly fracture surfaces in sand-size clasts from the 1980 Mount St. Helens debris-avalanche deposit: Implications for particle-particle interactions

Scanning electron microscope images of 0.5-1 mm clasts from the volcanic debris- avalanche deposit of the May 18, 1980, eruption of Mount St. Helens display two features not previously described in other volcaniclastic deposits: microcracks and hackly fracture surfaces.Microcracks characterize pyrogenic crystals (pyroxenes, amphibole, plagioclase, and quartz)as well as dacitic, andesitic, and basaltic vitric rock fragments from the avalanche debris.Microcracks commonly resemble cracks separating blocks with a jigsaw fit, as observed on an outcrop scale. Many microcracks (0.5-5 μm) show evidence of lateral displacement, separation, and intersecting relations. In addition, projecting surfaces of fragments exhibit well-developed backly texture defined by crushed areas on the surface. These areas form a dense network of smooth and concave truncating fracture surfaces that resemble fish scales. Regions of low topography on the surface of rock fragments show virtually no evidence of breakage, cracking, or abrasion in contrast with topographically higher and protruding regions. Different mechanisms appear to be responsible for the development of these two surface textures. The microcracks may have resulted from the repeated propagation of compression-rarefaction stress waves that were generated close to the mountain as it disintegrated and the initial slide blocks and later debris avalanche moved over rough topography. Hackly fractures most likely resulted from the pounding of grain-surface projections by repeated high- pressure contacts of grains that remained in close proximity during transport within the debris avalanche.
Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease in Children Infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1

Objective To determine risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in children infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) compared with nationally representative controls from 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data. Study design A prospective, longitudinal analysis of CVD risk factors in 42 HIV-infected children compared with NHANES controls, with multivariable modeling of demographic, disease-specific, and treatment-related factors contributing to cardiac risk in the HIV cohort. Results The 42 children infected with HIV were initially an average of 10.1 years old; 68% were Centers for Disease Control and Prevention pediatric HIV disease stage B or C, and 76% were receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Compared with age- and sex-adjusted NHANES controls, the children infected with HIV had lower weight (−0.46 standard deviation [SD] vs +0.54 SD; P P P P P P = .02) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels ( P = .04) and lower HDL cholesterol level ( P = .02); nonnucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitor therapy was associated with lower visceral fat ( P = .01) and higher HDL cholesterol level ( P = .005). Conclusions Children infected with HIV have adverse cardiac risk profiles compared with NHANES controls. Antiretroviral therapy has a significant influence on these factors.
Defects of immediate memory in Broca's and conduction aphasia

Abstract It has been suggested that the repetition defect seen in conduction aphasia is caused by an auditory immediate memory defect. The purposes of this study were the following: to ascertain whether the finding of an auditory immediate memory defect in conduction aphasia could be replicated, to ascertain whether Broca's aphasics have a similar type of immediate memory defect, and to ascertain whether a relationship exists between immediate memory and comprehension of spoken language. Digits were either spoken or presented visually to Broca's and conduction aphasics. An analysis of span scores reveals that within each group there were no significant differences between the modes of presentation or the response modes. There were no significant differences between the aphasic groups. Comprehension of spoken language significantly correlated with digit span scores.
Induction of Callose Formation by Bruising and Aging of Red Tart Cherries

SUMMARY— Callose formation in bruised red tart cherries was demonstrated by means of the aniline blue fluorescence method. Callose, as judged by the yellow fluorescence, varied in intensity and in the type of deposition. The fluorescence appeared as numerous small dots, presumably pit callose, covering the entire cell-wall surface, as irregular patches adjacent to the cell wall of the parenchyma cells, or in the form of secondary cell walls of different thicknesses. This callose. formation is discussed in relation to the phenomenon known as firming which occurs when cherries are bruised and aged.
Temperature dependence of Van der Waals forces in classical electrodynamics with classical electromagnetic zero-point radiation

Retarded dispersion forces are calculated at finite temperature in the theory of classical electrodynamics with classical electromagnetic zero-point radiation. Expressions are given at all separations for the forces between a polarizable particle and a conducting wall and between two polarizable particles where the particles are represented by electric dipole oscillators immersed in thermal radiation. Also given are the simple expressions holding in the unretarded short-distance limit, and in the asymptotic large-distance limit. At any finite nonzero temperature $T$, the asymptotic large-distance Van der Waals force between two polarizable particles separated by a distance $R\ensuremath{\gg}\frac{\ensuremath{\hbar}c}{\mathrm{KT}}$ is given by the potential $U(R)=\ensuremath{-}\frac{3{\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{2}\mathrm{KT}}{{R}^{6}}$ rather than the Casimir-Polder form for zero temperature, $U(R)=\ensuremath{-}(\frac{23}{4\ensuremath{\pi}})\frac{{\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{2}\ensuremath{\hbar}c}{{R}^{7}}$, where $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ is the static polarizability of each particle. Also the ${R}^{\ensuremath{-}6}$ form holds at high temperatures for any fixed separation. The finite-temperature analysis presented follows directly from earlier classical work at zero temperature since within the classical theory, classical zero-point radiation and classical thermal radiation are treated on the same footing. The classical calculations are easier than those of quantum-electrodynamic perturbation theory but have been shown generally to reproduce the quantum results for dipole-oscillator systems. The forces in the high-temperature limit are shown to agree with the results of classical statistical mechanics and with the use of the Rayleigh-Jeans law for the thermal radiation spectrum. The new results for polarizable particles fit nicely with earlier work by other authors on the finite-temperature corrections to the Casimir effect, the force between uncharged conducting parallel plates. It is emphasized that the force between conducting plates may be regarded as due to the classical boundary conditions at the conductors rather than to any discrete quantum aspects; the Rayleigh-Jeans spectrum also leads to a force between conducting plates and this force is in agreement with the high-temperature limit of previous calculations including zero-point radiation.
One-Pot Synthesis of Interpenetrating Inorganic/Organic Networks of CuO/Resorcinol-Formaldehyde Aerogels: Nanostructured Energetic Materials

For many applications ranging from catalysis to sensors to energetic materials, it is desirable to produce intimate mixtures of nanoparticles. For instance, to improve the reaction rates of energetic materials, the oxidizing agent and the fuel need to be mixed as intimately as possible, ideally at the nanoscopic level. In this context, the acidity of a hydrated CuCl(2) solution reacting toward a network of CuO nanoparticles (a good oxidant) is used to induce one-pot cogelation of a nanostructured network of a resorcinol-formaldehyde resin (RF, the fuel). The resulting wet gels are dried to aerogels, and upon pyrolysis under Ar, the interpenetrating CuO/RF network undergoes a smelting reaction toward metallic Cu. Upon ignition in the open air, pure RF aerogels do not burn, while CuO/RF composites, even with substoichiometric CuO, sustain combustion, burning completely leaving only a solid residue of CuO whose role then has been that of a redox mediator through the smelting reaction.
SOHO? No, SOSO

The March 29, 1988, Eos contains a lengthy and well-written lead article about the joint ESA-NASA (European Space Agency-National Aeronautics and Space Administration) SOHO-Cluster mission, one of ESA's cornerstones (“Cluster and SOHO: A Joint Endeavor by ESA and NASA to Address Problems in Solar, Heliospheric, and Space Plasma Physics,” p. 177). However, the article contains some gross inconsistencies, which, without careful review, can lead to serious misunderstandings. Although the stated scientific goals include the “…investigation of the physical processes that form and heat the solar corona, maintain it, and give rise to the expanding solar wind”, the selected payload will not include in situ measurements of the solar wind or interplanetary magnetic field, as stated in the article as being essential to achieving these aims. This is seen upon review of the SOHO instrumentation listed in Table 1. The reader may also be misled by the colorful frontispiece, which portrays the SOHO spacecraft with what can only be obviously a magnetometer boom and by the text of the article which mentions the inclusion of a magnetometer boom. However, SOHO, as it is presently configured, does not contain either a magnetometer or a boom, nor is there any solar wind analyzer of the type commonly flown on past heliospheric missions. Thus, we suggest that the acronym SOHO (Solar and Heliospheric Observatory) is inappropriate and should be changed to SOSO…Solar Only, Solar Observatory.
Intracerebroventricular administration of anti-endothelin-1 IgG selectively upregulates endothelin-A and κ opioid receptors

Endothelin (ET) type A receptor antagonists enhance morphine-induced antinociception and restore morphine analgesia in morphine tolerant rats [Peptides 23 (2002) 1837; Peptides 24 (2003) 553]. These studies suggest that the central ET and opioid systems functionally interact. To explore this idea further, we determined the effect of i.c.v. administration of anti-ET-1 IgG (rabbit) on brain opioid receptor and ET receptor expression. Three days after implanting cannula into the lateral ventricle, male Sprague-Dawley rats were administered 10 microl (i.c.v.) of either control rabbit IgG (2.5 microg/microl) or anti-ET IgG (2.5 microg/microl) on day 1, day 3, and day 5. On day 6, animals were killed and the caudate and hippocampus collected. Anti-ET IgG had no significant effect on expression, measured by Western blots, of mu, delta or ET-B receptors, but increased kappa opioid (59%) and ET-A (33%) receptor protein expression in the caudate. [35S]-GTP-gamma-S binding assays demonstrated that anti-ET IgG decreased [D-Ala2-MePhe4, Gly-ol5]enkephalin efficacy, but not potency in the caudate. Control experiments showed that there was no detectable rabbit IgG in caudate and hippocampal samples. These results suggest that ET in the CSF negatively regulates kappa opioid and ET-A receptors in certain brain regions. These findings support the hypothesis that CSF neuropeptides have regulatory effects and further demonstrate a link between ET and the opioid receptor system.
Absorption of atmospheric CO2 as carbonate inside the molecular cavity of a new tripodal hexaurea receptor.

A new hexaurea receptor has been synthesized, which absorbs atmospheric CO2 to produce an air-stable solid carbonate complex under normal conditions. Structural analysis of the carbonate complex with this receptor suggests that the carbonate is fully encapsulated within its highly organized intramolecular cavity via 12 strong NH···O bonds in the range of 2.703(3)–2.989(3) A from six urea units, with each anionic oxygen coordinated via four NH···O bonds with two urea groups.
Responses to interpersonal conflict among young adults: Influence of family of origin

This study aimed to examine the role of family environment upon responses to interpersonal conflict in young adulthood, and to determine whether response patterns differed between men and women. Behavioral, affective, and cardiovascular responses of 17 young adults from families rated extreme (EXT) on scales of cohesion and flexibility were compared with those of 21 young adults from balanced (BAL) families. Participants engaged in 2 role-play conflicts, 1 with a male confederate and 1 with a female confederate. Measures of positive and negative verbal and nonverbal behaviors, self-reported anxiety and anger, and heart rate and blood pressure were obtained. Results showed EXT participants exhibited more negative verbal and less positive verbal behavior during both interactions than BAL participants. EXT men exhibited greater DBP, state anger, and negative nonverbal responses than BAL men, findings not observed for women. These findings indicate that exposure to a negative family environment influences how young adult men respond to interpersonal confrontation more than young adult women.
Internal and External Motivation to Respond Without Sexism

Based on Plant and Devine's (1998) measures of Internal and External Motivation to Respond Without Prejudice toward Blacks, new scales were developed to assess Internal and External Motivation to Respond Without Sexism (IMS-S and EMS-S, respectively). The scales possess good psychometric properties. Providing evidence of convergent and discriminant validity, the IMS-S was strongly related to measures of sexism yet unrelated to measures of social evaluation. The EMS-S was modestly related to both sexism and social evaluative concerns. Providing evidence of predictive validity, participants who were either internally or externally motivated to respond without sexism rated sexist jokes more negatively in a situation discouraging sexism compared to participants low in both sources of motivation. However, only high IMS-S participants rated the jokes negatively whether the situation encouraged or discouraged sexism and whether their response was public or private. Implications for understanding the similarities and differences between sexism and racism are discussed.