cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary vein stenosis: Anatomic considerations, surgical management, and outcomes.

Abstract Objective The study objective was to evaluate outcomes of pulmonary vein stenosis repair in a large single-center cohort. Methods Clinical data from a pulmonary vein stenosis registry were retrospectively reviewed identifying patients who underwent pulmonary vein stenosis repair. The primary/index operation was defined as the patient's first pulmonary vein stenosis operation during the study period. Results Between January 2007 and August 2019, 174 patients underwent pulmonary vein stenosis repair. Bilateral pulmonary vein stenosis occurred in 111 patients (64%); 71 patients (41%) had 4-vessel disease. Fifty-nine patients (34%) had primary pulmonary vein stenosis. Median age was 9 months (interquartile range, 5-27) and weight was 6.5 kg (4.7-10.2). Surgical techniques evolved and included ostial resection, unroofing, reimplantation, sutureless, modified sutureless, and a newer anatomically focused approach of pulmonary vein stenosis resection with lateralization or patch enlargement of the pulmonary vein–left atrium connection. Twenty-three patients (13%) required reoperation. Cumulative 2-year incidence of postoperative transcatheter intervention (balloon dilation ± stenting) was 64%. One-, 2-, and 5-year survivals were 71.2%, 66.8%, and 60.6%, respectively. There was no association between surgery type and reoperation rate (hazard ratio, 2.38, P = .25) or transcatheter intervention (hazard ratio, 0.97, P = .95). The anatomically focused repair was associated with decreased mortality on univariate (hazard ratio, 0.38, P = .042) and multivariable analyses (hazard ratio, 0.19, P = .014). Antiproliferative chemotherapy was also associated with decreased mortality (hazard ratio, 0.47, P = .026). Conclusions This large single-center surgical pulmonary vein stenosis experience demonstrates encouraging midterm results. A new anatomically focused repair strategy aims to alleviate pulmonary vein angulation to minimize turbulence and shows promising early outcomes. Continued follow-up is required to understand longer-term outcomes for this surgical approach.
Inhibition of BIN2 extends reproductive lifespan

The fact that women’s reproductive lifespans are finite affects many personal decisions and is accompanied by postmenopausal side effects. Expansion of the reproductive lifespan could therefore have many benefits. Findings from Zhang and colleagues indicate that manipulation of BIN2 extends the reproductive lifespan of female mice, and hold promise for therapeutic development.
Effect of Improvisation on Product Cycle Time and Product Success: A Study of New Product Development (NPD) Teams in the United States

For many years, the long established referral process for successfully developing and commercializing new products has been called a phased-review or "Stage-Gate" system. The purpose of this article is to test whether improvisation increases the odds of faster product launch and greater new product success throughout this process. Using a specially designed questionnaire, 392 NPD project managers were asked their opinion of their team's use of a phased-review process and improvisation on their most recently completed NPD project, as well as how fast they were in launching the new product and how successful the new product was in the market. There was agreement that a structured NPD process increases efficiency and improvisation, as well as the likely success of new products in the market.
Communication about life-sustaining therapy: insights from the Adaptive Leadership Framework

Objective: Effective provider and caregiver communication is central to quality care during treatment for life-threatening illnesses. The study aim was to analyze communication patterns between providers and a parent of an infant with a life-threatening disease using the Adaptive Leadership Framework, which is an activity that involves mobilizing others to adapt to a difficult situation. Method: A secondary analysis was conducted using 23 interviews of providers and mother with an infant diagnosed with Hurler’s syndrome. The interviews focused on decision-making challenges in regard to the infant’s treatment and were conducted over a 1-year period (pre-transplant, study entry, monthly, after a life-threatening event or substantial change in treatment and at 1-year post enrollment). Content analysis was used to identify and categorize communication patterns using concepts from the Adaptive Leadership Framework. Results: Infant illness events and parent-provider caregiving were chronicled across a 1-year trajectory. Despite the life-threatening nature of Hurler’s disease, the parent and providers did not discuss palliative care or end-of-life. The parent sought direction and answers from the providers. The Adaptive Leadership Framework suggested how communication approaches were often mismatched with the apparent needs of the parent. Discussion: The results of the study accentuate the need to improve communication between provider and parents about end-of-life for their child. Adaptive Leadership illuminates how providers can influence a parent’s behavior when facing a challenging situation. This study suggests that Adaptive Leadership is a useful framework to guide research about healthcare communication in dealing with challenging issues.
Beneficial health effects of modest weight loss

The medical effects of modest weight reduction (approximately 10% or less) in patients with obesity-associated medical complications were reviewed. The National Library of Medicine MEDLINE database and the Derwent RINGDOC database were searched to identify English language studies that examined the effects of weight loss in obese patients with serious medical complications commonly associated with obesity (non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM or type II), hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, and cardiovascular disease). Studies in which patients experienced approximately 10% or less weight reduction were selected for review. Studies indicated that, for obese patients with NIDDM, hypertension or hyperlipidemia, modest weight reduction appeared to improve glycemic control, reduce blood pressure, and reduce cholesterol levels, respectively. Modest weight reduction also appeared to increase longevity in obese individuals. In conclusion, a large proportion of obese individuals with NIDDM, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia experienced positive health benefits with modest weight loss. For patients who are unable to attain and maintain substantial weight reduction, modest weight loss should be recommended; even a small amount of weight loss appears to benefit a substantial subset of obese patients.
Continental Drilling to Explore Earth's Sedimentary, Paleobiological, and Biogeochemical Record

A workshop to promote research using continental scientific drilling to explore the Earth's sedimentary, paleobiological, and biogeochemical record was held in Norman, Okla. The workshop, funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), was intended to encourage U.S.-based scientists to take advantage of the exceptional capacity of unweathered, continuous sediment cores to serve as archives of the Earth's history.
Ecosystem Element Cycling

Ecosystem dynamics are changes in the biological and physical characteristics of ecosystems through time. The biological organisms in an ecosystem are responsible for a number of processes that affect ecosystem dynamics. For example, plants obtain carbon as carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through the process of photosynthesis, herbivores obtain carbon by consuming plants in an ecosystem, carnivores obtain carbon by eating animals in an ecosystem, and decomposers obtain carbon from dead organisms in an ecosystem. Physical processes also affect ecosystem dynamics. For example, the leaching of dissolved organic carbon in water flowing through the soil of an ecosystem is one path through which terrestrial ecosystems may lose carbon to aquatic ecosystems like rivers and lakes. In this article, ecosystem element cycling refers to the cycling of elements such as carbon within an ecosystem, as well as the flow of elements into and out of an ecosystem. This article has several purposes: (i) to provide some basic biological and physical background on processes responsible for ecosystem element cycling; (ii) to briefly describe generalized carbon and nitrogen cycles in terrestrial ecosystems, and (iii) to discuss human modification of the global carbon and nitrogen cycles. Keywords: ecosystem; element cycles; molecules; photosynthesis; decomposition
The Role of Organizational Support for Creativity in Knowledge Management Systems

This research explores the relationship between organizational support for creativity and perceived usefulness of a knowledge management system (KMS) on project or task effectiveness. It has been shown that organizational support for creativity positively affects the innovativeness of a project (i.e., Amabile, 1996). Moreover, organizations are spending large amounts to build KMSs which allow the integration of knowledge across different contexts and therefore open an organization to new insights (Zack, 1999). This study attempts to test the link between organizational support for creativity and the perceived usefulness of a KMS. Furthermore, it investigates the perceived usefulness of a KMS and the possibility of a moderating effect of the perceived usefulness of a KMS on the relationship between organizational support for creativity and project or task effectiveness. The goals of the study are for researchers to better understand the effect of KMSs on project or task effectiveness and for practitioners to better be able to enhance creative performance through the combination of organizational support for creativity and KMSs.
Glycogen synthase kinase-3 inhibitor AR-A014418 suppresses pancreatic cancer cell growth via inhibition of GSK-3-mediated Notch1 expression

Background Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) can act as either a tumour promoter or suppressor by its inactivation depending on the cell type. There are conflicting reports on the roles of GSK-3 isoforms and their interaction with Notch1 in pancreatic cancer. It was hypothesized that GSK-3α stabilized Notch1 in pancreatic cancer cells thereby promoting cellular proliferation.
Work in progress - assessment of the effects of a computer ethics course on student attitudes

The Computer Science Department at Texas State University, San Marcos, recently added a new stand-alone computer ethics course to the required undergraduate curriculum at the sophomore level. A pre and post course assessment instrument was developed and administered for the first time in the fall 2003 semester. The assessment instrument presented commonly occurring professional and general computer-related situations and asked the student to rate the ethics of the action presented in the scenario. As there was intense discussion within the department of the most appropriate level and prerequisites for the course, the assessment instrument also gathered information about the effects of student age, work experience, and prior introductory philosophy coursework on student performance. This paper describe the ethics course, as well as the preliminary results of the assessment.
End-point optimization of batch chemical processes

Batch and semi-batch processes are of considerable importance in the batch chemical industry. In the face of increased competition, process optimization provides a unified framework for reducing production costs, meeting safety requirements and environmental regulations, improving product quality, reducing product variability, and ease of scale-up [Bonvin, 1988]. In this paper, a numerical optimization approach is developed that utilizes a dynamic model to determine analytically, the structure of the optimal solution. This approach is tested via simulation of end-point optimization problems in two semi-batch chemical reactors.
The Relation of Elementary Teachers' Experience, Stress, and Coping Resources to Burnout Symptoms

Abstract Transactional models of stress posit that perceptions of both resources and demands determine whether stress will be experienced. To test this model and better understand teacher stress, we examined levels of elementary teachers' burnout symptoms: (1) between schools, with individual/teacher perceptions of demands and resources aggregated to the group level, and (2) at the individual teacher level within schools, where perceptions of classroom demands and resources, as well as teachers' personal coping resources and experience, were taken into account. We assessed the specific classroom demands and resources hypothesized to contribute to elementary teachers' burnout symptoms using the Classroom Appraisal of Resources and Demands (CARD), and we used the Preventive Resources Inventory (PRI) to measure teachers' psychological coping resources. Burnout symptoms were measured using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Data were collected from 451 teachers in 13 elementary schools within 3 adjacent cou...
Adding Live Streaming Apps to Your E-Resource Arsenal

In the last couple of months new applications that allow users to live stream, as well as view directly from their phones, have exploded on the scene. What are these new applications and how to do ...
Why the flip should I flip my classroom: results on the use of peer instruction in computing courses

Get N people in a room and you'll get at least O(N) definitions of a flipped classroom. You shouldn't flip your class because all the "cool kids" are doing it. But, you should flip it because of the large amount of research-based evidence showing increased learning gains.
Primary hemostatic capacity of whole blood: a comprehensive analysis of pathogen reduction and refrigeration effects over time

Abstract : BACKGROUND: Whole blood (WB) has been used in combat since World War I as it is readily available and replaces every element of shed blood. Component therapy has become standard; however, recent military successes with WB resuscitation have revived the debate regarding wider WB use. Characterization of optimal WB storage is needed. We hypothesized that refrigeration preserves WB function and that a pathogen reduction technology (PRT) based on riboflavin and ultraviolet light has no deleterious effect over 21 days of storage. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: WB units were stored for 21 days either at 4 C or 22 C. Half of each temperature group underwent PRT, yielding four final treatment groups (n = 8 each): CON 4 (WB at 4 C); CON 22 (WB at 22 C); PRT 4 (PRT WB at 4 C); and PRT 22 (PRT WB at 22 C). Testing was at baseline, Days 1-7, 10, 14, and 21. Assays included coagulation factors; platelet activation, aggregation, and adhesion; and thromboelastography (TEG). RESULTS: Prothrombin time (PT) and partial thromboplastin time increased over time; refrigeration attenuated the effects on PT (p /= 0.009). Aggregation decreased over time (p /= 0.001); losses were attenuated by refrigeration (p /= 0.001). Refrigeration preserved TEG parameters (p /= 0.001) and PRT 4 samples remained within normal limits throughout the study. Refrigeration in combination with PRT inhibited fibrinolysis (p /= 0.001) and microparticle formation (p /= 0.031). Cold storage increased shear-induced platelet aggregation and ristocetin-induced platelet agglutination (p /= 0.032), as well as GPIb-expressing platelets (p /= 0.009). CONCLUSION: The in vitro hemostatic function of WB is largely unaffected by PRT treatment and better preserved by cold storage over 21 days. Refrigerated PRT WB may be suitable for trauma resuscitation. Clinical studies are warranted.
Coalescents, Phylogenies, and Likelihoods.

When phylogenies get down below the species level, they turn into coalescents. Individual genetic loci then have genealogies that are, in the absence of recombination, trees. But as one moves along the genome, recombination moves branches and changes the trees, with the result that other loci more than a few kilobases away usually have very different trees. Between species their trees of ancestry are very similar; the difference in their behavior within and between species is an indication that there really is something different, and nonarbitrary, about the species level. When one looks at the problems of estimation involving these trees, one can get overly involved in estimating the tree itself. But the interest in doing so is limited, as there may be a million completely different coalescent trees for different parts of the genome. Furthermore, the number of varying sites available for estimating each is quite limited, so that each is poorly estimated. The solution to this quandary is to realize that the genealogies are generated by a random process of genetic drift, possibly with other evolutionary forces intervening. What we need to know is not the trees themselves, but the parameters of these evolutionary forces and of population structure, such as effective population size, migration rates, population growth rates. The coalescent process defined by J.F.C. Kingman (1, 2) was the foundation of this theory. Coalescent likelihood methods have been developed by two groups, ours and Griffiths and Tavare's. The two approaches use the same statistical methods and models, and differ mostly in the computational methods. The likelihood for a population sample is the sum over all possible genealogies, summing the probability of that genealogy given the parameters, multiplied by the probability of the sample of sequences
Buoyancy in Nautilus

Since the pioneering efforts of Eric Denton and John Gilpin-Brown (1966), much has been learned about the buoyancy system of the chambered Nautilus. It seems timely, therefore, to evaluate critically what is known and not known about the buoyancy system of Nautilus, rather than merely to restate what has gone before. In particular, we will discuss what we see as the major outstanding questions on Nautilus buoyancy research and what we regard to be the more subtle and poorly understood aspects of buoyancy in Nautilus. We will try to make explicit the assumptions that were heretofore implicit in our own and in others' analyses and to present some new data on Nautilus buoyancy mechanisms.
Spectral Dynamics and Therapeutic Implications of the Theta/Alpha Crossover in Alpha-Theta Neurofeedback

The theta-over-alpha frequency crossover seen in alpha-theta neurofeedback, considered an important factor in the treatment's success, has had little definitive research. This study examined 182 alpha-theta session graphs from 10 subject case files for interactions between frequency band activity and subject reports of imagery or biographical memories during crossovers, as well as treatment outcomes. Statistical analyses revealed significantly more reports of imagery/memories during crossover conditions having specific spectral, amplitude, and duration characteristics. Imagery reports were more likely to occur during crossover activity of 1 microvolt or more, lasting at least 3 minutes, and including 3.75µv of 15–20 Hz beta. This defined therapeutic crossover condition also was significantly related to better treatment outcome measures.
Parallel and distributed processing of rules by data-reduction

The parallel evaluation of datalog rule programs, mainly by processors that are interconnected by a communication network, is discussed. Data-reduction, a paradigm for the parallel evaluation of a datalog program, is introduced. Parallelization is accomplished by partitioning the rule-instantiations among the processors. After presenting the paradigm, its implementation with seminaive evaluation, its communication overhead, and its application to stratified-negation datalog programs are discussed. It is proven that decomposability, a related concept introduced in previous works, is undecidable. >
Rhodopsin levels in the central retinas of normal miniature poodles and those with progressive rod-cone degeneration

Visual pigment in normal miniature poodles and those with progressive rod-cone degeneration (prcd), a late-onset autosomal recessive photoreceptor degeneration, has been studied using imaging fundus reflectometry (IFR). The stage to which the disease had advanced in the animals with prcd was assessed with electroretinography (ERG). Measurements were carried out on seven affected, two heterozygous and three homozygous normal animals. The IFR measurements showed that the in situ difference spectrum of visual pigment measured in the central retina of the normal poodle is typical of vertebrate rhodopsin, with a maximum at about 510 nm. Rhodopsin regeneration following extensive bleaches continues for up to 70 min. In poodles with prcd, rhodopsin is spectrally normal and regenerates at normal rates. In young affected animals under 1 year of age, the final levels of rhodopsin could already be substantially reduced. Serial measurements of visual pigment in these dogs showed differences in the degree and spatial pattern of pigment loss and rate of progression between animals. The extent of visual pigment loss also differed among the older (greater than 4.5 years) affected animals: while in one animal no pigment could be detected, in another a central band of retina was relatively spared, and significant levels of visual pigment were measured within it. Pigment levels measured within the central 25 degrees of the retinas of poodles heterozygous for prcd were lower than those in normal animals, even though their ERGs were within the normal range.
Reading Comprehension of Scientific Text: A Domain-Specific Test of the Direct and Inferential Mediation Model of Reading Comprehension.

Reading comprehension is strongly associated with academic achievement, including science achievement. A better understanding of reading comprehension processes in science text might hold promise for improving science achievement in the long run. We tested the fit of the direct and inferential mediation (DIME) model of reading comprehension (Cromley & Azevedo, 2007) with 737 students in an introductory biology course required for majors. Participants completed multiple choice measures of biology-specific prior-topic knowledge, inference, reading strategy use, reading vocabulary, word reading fluency, and reading comprehension in small groups in our laboratory. Using structural equation modeling to test the fit of the DIME model to the data, we found excellent fit indices for all models. However, the original DIME model fit significantly worse than the measurement model, and a modified model that included a path from reading vocabulary to reading strategy use fit significantly better. Results from the modified model suggest that comprehension interventions for undergraduate students with biology majors might use preteaching to build topic knowledge. We discuss the need for future experimental studies to confirm the vocabulary-reading strategies link.
Assessment of Hyaluronic Acid for Selecting Sperm With Low DNA Fragmentation

activators of inflammation, and glucocorticoids attenuate this effect via transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms [3]. If confirmed by in vivo pre-clinical studies currently underway, dexamethasone may prove a useful adjunct to IVF in the treatment of endometriosis-associated infertility. FINANCIAL SUPPORT: None References 1. Barnhart K., et al. Effect of endometriosis on in vitro fertilization. Fertil Steril, 2002. 77: p. 1148–55. 2. Simon C., et al. Outcome of patients with endometriosis in assisted reproduction: results from in vitro fertilization and oocyte donation. Hum Reprod, 1994. 9: p. 725–9. 3. Rhen T. and Cidlowski, J. Antiinflammatory action of glucocorticoids—new mechanisms for old drugs. N Engl J Med, 2005. 353: p. 1711–23.
A new six degrees of freedom position sensor greatly improves flexible manufacturing ‐ but will manufacturers adapt?

Claims that manufacturing industry needs better multi‐dimensional position sensors to keep pace with increased speed and capabilities of automated equipment and robots. The market for laser and vision sensors is growing at a rapid speed. However, most of the robot‐mounted sensors are one‐, two‐ or at most three‐dimensional, while the robotics industry has progressed to six‐axis machines, leaving a gross mismatch in its capability to perform and sense the required task. A new laser sensor described in this paper provides information on up to six degrees of position, enabling robots to sense as well as they can physically manipulate, and opening the door to vast improvements in flexible manufacturing. To expedite these improvements, the manufacturing industry should take a lead and not let an outdated norm hinder implementation.
Taurine inhibition of fast Na+ current in embryonic chick ventricular myocytes.

Abstract Effects of taurine on the fast Na+ current(INa) in 17-day-old embryonic chick ventricular myocytes were examined using the whole-cell voltage-clamp technique. The cells were spherical (10–15 μm diameter) and had a capacitance of 9.8 ± 1.3 pF. The experiments were performed at room temperature (22°C), and the holding potential was −90 mV. After the patch membrane was broken, peak INa initially increased, and then decreased and became stable within 3–5 min. The experiments on taurine were started after INa had stabilized. The characteristics of INa were as expected, including sensitivity to tetrodotoxin (10 μM). When added to the bath, taurine inhibited INa and shifted the reversal potential in the hyperpolarizing direction. At 10 mM, taurine inhibited INa by 38.2 ± 4.3%, and shifted the reversal potential by 10.2 ± 3.1 mV. The time to peak current was slowed: 0.83 ± 0.20 ms (n = 11) in control, 1.03 ± 0.18 ms (n = 9) in 10 mM taurine, and 1.10 ± 0.19 ms (n = 10) in 20 mM taurine. These effects of taurine were not reversed by 30 min washout. At low concentrations, taurine actually enhanced INa in 3 of 8 cells at 1 mM, and in 4 of 10 cells at 5 mM; the reversal potential was still shifted in the hyperpolarizing direction by 5.7 ± 1.6 mV. The time course of inactivation (fitted as a single exponential at test potential of −30 mV) was not affected: 1.1 ± 0.5 ms in control 1.2 ± 0.4 ms at 10 mM taurine. Taurine (10mM) also did not modify the potentials of half-inactivation and half-activation (control of −86.4 ± 5.3 mV and −48.5 ± 4.4 mV). Intracellular application of taurine (10 or 20 mM) enhanced INa by 7–15%; a subsequent depression was not observed. These results suggest that taurine exerts a dual effect on INa with stimulation in some cells at lower concentrations and inhibition of all cells at higher concentrations. Since the shift of the reversal potential for INa in the hyperpolarizing direction occurred when INa was increased or decreased (and therefore opposite changes in [Na]i), the shift must be due to an additional effect of taurine.
HERBAL PRODUCT USE BY AFRICAN AMERICAN OLDER WOMEN

The purposes of this study were to identify patterns of herbal product use for health promotion and self-care management among older African American women, to explore their use of herbal products to manage disease-specific symptoms, and to compare users of herbal products to nonusers. The sample consisted of 57 community-residing African American women age 65 years and older. Of the sample, 33% used herbal product(s) within the past year. Those who used herbal products perceived their overall health to be better than those who did not use herbal products. However, differences in demographic characteristics and locus of control between herbal users and nonusers were not significant. More than 40% of the herbals used were not discussed with health care providers. Most participants using herbals were mixing herbal, prescription, and overthe-counter products. Indiscriminate use of herbal products in combination with or in place of conventional medicines can be problematic and costly.
HuMig: A New Human Member of the Chemokine Family of Cytokines

Abstract Characterization of lymphokine-activated genes in mouse macrophages led to the identification previously of Mu mig , an interferon-γ-inducible murine gene that encodes a member of the chemokine family of cytokines. The Mu mig cDNA probe was used to screen a cDNA library prepared from cultures of the THP-1 human monocytic cell line that had been treated with interferon-γ. This led to the identification of Hu mig , a new human member of the chemokine gene family. Hu mig is induced in THP-1 cells and in peripheral blood mononuclear cells by interferon-γ but not by interferon-α or by lipopolysaccharide. Analysis of mouse and human genomic DNAs suggested that the Mu mig and Hu mig genes are true mouse-human homologues. The Hu mig mRNA encodes a predicted secreted HuMig protein of 103 residues, M r 11,725.
Sources of human urinary epinephrine

The kidney is a likely source for some urinary epinephrine (E) since adrenalectomized animals and humans continue to excrete urinary E and the human kidney contains E synthesizing enzymes. We studied subjects during an intravenous infusion of 3H-E to determine the fraction of urinary E derived from the kidney. Eight normal subjects (CON) and 5 older, heavier hypertensives (OHH) ate a light breakfast along with ascorbic acid supplementation and had intravenous and arterial lines placed. They received an infusion of 3H-E and had an oral water load. During the final hour of 3H-E infusion, urine and arterial blood samples were collected for 3H-E and E levels. After the 3H-E infusion was abruptly discontinued, arterial blood samples were collected to measure 3H-E kinetics. The total body clearance of 3H-E was about 2,500 ml/min from plasma and clearance of 3H-E to urine was about 170 ml/min. CON had plasma E levels of 43 +/- 4 pg/ml. Their predicted rate of clearance of E from plasma to urine of 7,471 +/- 865 pg/min was less than (P = 0.018) the actual urinary E excretion of 15,037 +/- 2,625 pg/min. Thus, 43 +/- 9% of urinary E in CON was apparently derived from renal sources and not filtered from blood. Among OHH 85 +/- 4% of urinary E was derived from the kidney, significantly (P < 0.01) different from CON. The OHH also produced much more urinary E than predicted from plasma 3H-E clearance into urine (P = 0.03). A major fraction of urinary E is not filtered from the blood stream but is apparently derived from kidney. A small fraction of urinary E may be derived from E stored in nerve endings along with norepinephrine, but this probably represents less than 2% of urinary E. Renal cleavage of E sulfate into E may be another potential source of urinary E. Some, and perhaps most, urinary E not filtered from the bloodstream is derived from renal N-methylation of norepinephrine as the human kidney has two enzymes capable of converting norepinephrine to E. In conclusion, a major portion of urinary E is derived from the kidney and not filtered from the bloodstream. This is an important factor in the interpretation of urine E levels. Renal E could alter renal blood flow, electrolyte reabsorption, and renin release prior to excretion into urine.
Accuracy and Precision of Salmon Length Estimates Taken from DIDSON Sonar Images

Abstract Experiments were conducted with a multibeam dual-frequency identification sonar (DIDSON) to evaluate the accuracy and precision of estimating lengths from images of tethered fish insonified at side aspect in an Alaskan river. Live tethered Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha and sockeye salmon O. nerka were suspended in front of a long-range DIDSON (1.2 MHz, 48 beams) equipped with an ultra-high-resolution lens. Lengths measured manually from DIDSON images were highly correlated with the actual lengths (R 2 = 0.90, RMSE = 5.76 cm). No range dependency in the accuracy of the range estimates was documented. We conclude that relatively accurate and precise estimates of fish length are now possible with certain DIDSON system configurations at up to 21 m.
Codification of the inviolability of frontiers principle in the Helsinki Final Act: Its purpose and implications for conflict resolution

This article tests the proposition that there is inherent conflict between the principles of the Helsinki Final Act, specifically those related to equal rights and the self-determination of peoples, territorial integrity and the inviolability of frontiers. For this purpose the drafting history of the Helsinki Accords is revisited to shed light on how the participating States interpreted these principles and what meaning they attributed to them. It is argued that the overall purpose of the Final Act, which is to codify the stability of frontiers principle by prohibiting the use of force against frontiers as well as any unilateral, non-consensual actions as far as the territory of the participating States is concerned, should be kept in mind while interpreting these principles. The article concludes by reviewing the practice of States in interpreting the principles over the past two decades to show that changed political circumstances in Europe have not affected the interpretation of the relevant Helsinki Final Act provisions.
Prostate volumes defined by magnetic resonance imaging and computerized tomographic scans for three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy

Abstract Purpose: To compare the prostate volumes defined on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and noncontrast computerized tomographic (CT) scans used for three-dimensional (3D) treatment planning. Methods and Materials: Ten patients simulated for treatment using immobilization and a retrograde urethrogram. 3D images were used to compare prostate volumes defined by MRI (4–6 mm thick slices) and CT images (5 mm thick slices). Prostate volumes were calculated in cm 3 using the Scanditronix 3D planning system. MRI/CT images were merged using bony anatomy to define the regions of discrepancy om prostate volumes. Results: The mean prostate volume was 32% larger (range −5–63%) when defined by noncontrast CT compared to MRI. The areas of nonagreement tended to occur in four distinct regions of discrepancy: (a) the posterior portion of the prostate, (b) the posterior-inferior-apical portion of the prostate, (c) the apex due to diasgreement between a urothrogram based definition and the location defined by MRL, (d) regions corresponding to the neurovascular bundle. Conclusion: There is a tendency to overestimate the prostate volume by noncontrast CT compared to MRI. Awareness of this tendency should allow us to be to more accurately define the prostate during 3-D treatment planning.
The Positive Effects of Easy Goals on Decision Quality and Risk Propensity in an MCPLP Task

In this study the potential performance benefits of easy goals were examined within the multiple cue probability learning paradigm (MCPLP). Specifically, the effects of varying levels of goal difficulty on performance and risk propensity (used to define a form of commitment) were investigated. With few exceptions, previous studies demonstrated support for difficult goals. In this study, contrary to the majority of past evidence, as goals became easier decision quality significantly improved. Moreover, risk propensity increased with easier goals and, as suggested by a post-hoc analysis, had more direct impact on decision makers’ behaviors than goal levels. Goal-related behavior in complex MCPLP tasks appears to significantly differ from the majority of goal evidence in other types of research due to the tendency for subjects to view complex task properties in the same context as goal levels.
A low polarization solar vector magnetograph.

A new instrument for measuring magnetic fields in the sun's atmosphere has recently been installed at the National Solar Observatory in New Mexico. At each point within the field of view, it detects both linear and circular polarization in a spectral line from which the solar magnetic field strength and direction may be deduced. The vector magnetograph has low instrumental polarization and low circular-to-linear crosstalk. Spectral resolution is provided by a solid lithium-niobate Fabry-Perot filter which may be electrically tuned to scan any solar spectral line. The instrument is capable of 0.7 arc second spatial resolution and 0.015 nm spectral resolution. Prior to installation, tests were conducted at the Applied Physics Laboratory to evaluate the polarimeter components. The instrument and its background are described, together with some test results.
Mechanism of feldspar weathering—I. Experimental studies

Abstract It has been widely accepted that a chemically altered, protective surface layer regulates the dissolution, and hence the weathering, of plagioclase feldspars under Earth's surface conditions. In this study, we examine this hypothesis in detail with the aid of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Using these techniques, we have been unable to find any direct evidence suggesting the presence of a chemically altered coating on feldspar surfaces which have been weathered in the lab. Instead, our results suggest that the mechanism controlling feldspar weathering is a surface controlled reaction. Based on SEM observations and measurements of rate of release of silica, we postulate that the process of feldspar dissolution proceeds in two stages in the lab. Initially, one observes the dissolution of ultrafine (⪡ 1 μm diameter) particles which are produced during grinding of the sample, and which adhere tenaciously to the surfaces of larger grains. This is the stage which results in the non-linear rates of dissolution which are commonly observed in the lab (parabolic kinetics). Secondly, the dissolution occurs at sites of excess surface energy such as at dislocations or similar crystal defects. This process yields linear rates of dissolution, and it dominates the weathering of feldspars in the field.
Effects of intracerebroventricular leptin administration on feeding and sexual behaviors in lean and obese female Zucker rats.

Obese Zucker rats (fa/fa) are characterized by inadequate leptin signaling caused by a mutation in the leptin receptor gene. Obese Zucker females are infertile and hyporesponsive to the inductive effects of ovarian hormones on sexual behaviors. Leptin treatment reverses aspects of reproductive dysfunction due to perturbations in energy balance in other animal models. Our first experiment tested the hypothesis that intracerebroventricular (icv) leptin administration would enhance the display of sexual behaviors in obese Zucker females. A second experiment compared lean and obese Zucker females' responses to leptin, during fed and fasted conditions. Ovariectomized (OVX) Zucker rats were implanted with lateral ventricular cannulae. In Experiment 1, fasted, obese females received estradiol benzoate, progesterone, and icv injections of 3, 18, or 36 μg murine leptin or vehicle. Leptin administration reduced food intake, but did not enhance sexual behaviors. In Experiment 2, steroid-replaced, OVX lean and obese females (from a different source than those in Experiment 1) received icv injections of vehicle or 3 or 36 μg leptin under fed and fasted conditions. Leptin treatment reduced food intake and weight gain in the fed, but not the fasted, condition in both genotypes. Sexual receptivity and locomotion were not affected, but icv leptin injections reduced proceptive behaviors in ad libitum-fed rats. These data confirm previous reports that centrally administered leptin decreases food intake and weight gain in obese Zucker rats; results from Experiment 2 suggest that lean and obese females are similarly responsive to these actions of leptin. Contrary to our hypothesis, leptin treatment did not stimulate sexual behaviors; rather, the hormone appears to inhibit the display of sexual proceptivity in ad libitum-fed lean and obese Zucker female rats.
Pregnancy as a Stimulus for Domestic Violence

Data collected from a domestic violence prevention and treatment program were analyzed to determine the relationship between female reproductive status and violent incidents. Both the frequency and severity of male initiated violence against women were twice as high when they were pregnant. These results are discussed in the context of an evolutionary perspective on domestic violence.
Ionic Conductivity in Fused Silica: II, Steady‐State Behavior

Direct-current ionic conductivity measurements on type-I doped fused silica glasses were carried out in blocking and nonblocking modes between 300° and 800°C. The analysis of conductivity in steady state showed that the behavior was non-Arrhenius in nature and that In (conductivity) followed a second-degree polynomial of 1/T. The normalized conductivity for Li+ and Na+ ions at a particular temperature increased with the alumina/alkali ratio up to about 8 and appeared to level thereafter. This trend was similar to that observed for viscosity in the same glasses published by Bihuniak et al.1 For K+ electrolysis, no significant trends in the normalized conductivity versus alumina/alkali ratio could be observed. The presence of nonlinearity in Arrhenius behavior could be ascribed to the combined effect of two types of sites present in fused silica: SiO− and AIO4− sites, where the AIO4− sites presumably have a lower binding energy for the Li+ Na+, and K+ ions than do the SiO− sites. It is argued that, unlike alkali aluminosilicates, the SiO− sites in fused silica do not disappear at an alumina/alkali ratio of 1, and only reach a sturation level at a ratio of about 8, a conclusion also reached by Bihuniak et al.2 using randomwalk simulation.
Environment mismatch compensation using average eigenspace-based methods for robust speech recognition

The performance of speech recognition systems is adversely affected by mismatch between training and test conditions due to environmental factors. In addition to the case of test data from noisy environments, there are scenarios where the training data itself is noisy. In this study, we propose a series of methods for mismatch compensation between training and test environments, based on our "average eigenspace" approach. These methods are also shown to be effective for non-stationary mismatch conditions. An advantage is that there is no need for explicit adaptation data since the method is applied to incoming test data to find the compensatory transform. We evaluate these approaches on two separate corpora which are collected from realistic car environments: CU-Move and UTDrive. Compared with a baseline system incorporating spectral subtraction, highpass filtering and cepstral mean normalization, we obtain a relative word error rate reduction of 17---26 % by applying the proposed techniques. These methods also result in a dimensionality reduction of the feature vectors allowing for a more compact set of acoustic models in the phoneme space, a property important for automatic speech recognition for small footprint size mobile devices such as cell-phone or PDA's which require ASR in diverse environments.
The Relationship Between Prematriculation College Knowledge and Disillusionment: Was College What Students Expected?

Disillusioned students are at risk for dropping out. This study examined the relationship between prematriculation college understanding and freshman students' unrealized expectations. A knowledge ...
Thermal annealing of narrow-gap HgTe-based alloys

Abstract We have studied the electrical properties of several HgTe-based alloys before and after thermal annealing. HgMnTe was the most thoroughly studied material, although HgMgTe and HgZnTe were also examined. Results were compared with those for the better known HgCdTe. Samples were annealed in mercury vapor at several temperatures, in tellerium vapor, and in dynamic vacuum. The general behavior was the same for all of the samples, indicating the same conductivity mechanism (a mercury vacancy acting as an acceptor) that is present in HgCdTe. Electrical properties were investigated using Hall measurements and thermal probe mapping.
Inheritance systems in evolution: the darwinian dimension

After Eva Jablonka and Marion Lamb published Epigenetic Inheritance and Evolution: The Lamarckian Dimension [1] a decade ago, they admitted that the choice of subtitle might lead to their ‘identification with charlatans and the lunatic fringe of evolutionary biology’ [2]. Judging from the response to that book in some quarters, their worries were well placed, in spite of the fact that most of the themes of that book, and their work since, are squarely darwinian. Nonetheless, Jablonka and Lamb's 1995 book reanimated an important conversation in biology and the history and philosophy of biology, one about other-than-genic mechanisms that might produce heritable variation and so contribute to evolution.
Outcomes of endoluminal reintervention for restenosis after percutaneous renal angioplasty and stenting.

Background Endovascular therapy for symptomatic atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (ARAS) is common but is associated with a significant restenosis rate. This study evaluates the outcomes of percutaneous endoluminal therapy for symptomatic restenosis (>50% on angiography) after renal intervention. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of records from patients who underwent endovascular intervention for ARAS and were followed by duplex ultrasound scan between January 1990 and January 2008. Clinical benefit defined as freedom from recurrent hypertension or renal-related morbidity (increase in persistent creatinine >20% of baseline, progression to hemodialysis, death from renal-related causes), anatomic patency, restenosis, and patient survival were measured. Results A total of 447 patients underwent 619 renal artery interventions. A total of 80 vessels restenosed with an actuarial restenosis rate of 19% at 5 years. Of these restenoses, 65 (81%) were associated with recurrent symptoms (recurrent hypertension 84%, or continuing deterioration in renal function 16%). Fifty-five (85%) underwent repeat angioplasty and 10 underwent bypass surgery. The remainder was observed. The 55 percutaneous interventions were performed in 51 patients (61% female, average age 62 years, range, 51-85). A total of 73% had metabolic syndrome, 58% had hyperlipidemia, and 51% were considered diabetic; all of them had primary stenting during their first procedure. There was a 4% technical failure rate in both groups. In the restenosis group, the presence of stent was associated with a 9% technical failure rate, while in the absence of a stent the technical failure rate was only 3% ( P 9 cm) and a ≥20% improvement in baseline creatinine with 3 months were associated with freedom from recurrent symptoms. Restenosis after therapy in recurrent lesions was significantly correlated with recurrent symptoms (Spearman r = 0.4614, P Conclusion Percutaneous reintervention for renal artery restenosis is safe and effective with equivalent outcomes to primary intervention. The patients are more likely to present with recurrent hypertension and be younger and of female gender than patients presenting for primary intervention. Functional outcomes after reintervention are equivalent to primary intervention.
Zooming into an Instagram City: Reading the local through social media

How are users’ experiences of production, sharing, and interaction with the media they create mediated by the interfaces of particular social media platforms? How can we use computational analysis and visualizations of the content of visual social media ( e.g. , user photos, as opposed to upload dates, locations, tags and other metadata) to study social and cultural patterns? How can we visualize this media on multiple spatial and temporal scales? In this paper, we examine these questions through the analysis of the popular mobile photo–sharing application Instagram. First, we analyze the affordances provided by the Instagram interface and the ways this interface and the application’s tools structure users’ understanding and use of the “Instagram medium.” Next, we compare the visual signatures of 13 different global cities using 2.3 million Instagram photos from these cities. Finally, we use spatio–temporal visualizations of over 200,000 Instagram photos uploaded in Tel Aviv, Israel over three months to show how they can offer social, cultural and political insights about people’s activities in particular locations and time periods.