cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Robotic versus laparoscopic resection of large adrenal tumors.

Although recent studies have shown the feasibility and safety of robotic adrenalectomy, an advantage over the laparoscopic approach has not been demonstrated. Our hypothesis was that the use of the robot would facilitate minimally invasive resection of large adrenal tumors. Adrenal tumors ≥5 cm resected robotically were compared with those removed laparoscopically from a prospective institutional review board-approved adrenal database. Clinical and perioperative parameters were analyzed using t and chi-square tests. All data are expressed as mean ± standard error of mean. There were 24 patients with 25 tumors in the robotic group and 38 patients with 38 tumors in the laparoscopic group. Tumor size was similar in both groups (6.5 ± 0.4 [robotic] vs 6.2 ± 0.3 cm [laparoscopic], P = .661). Operative time was shorter for the robotic versus laparoscopic group (159.4 ± 13.4 vs 187.2 ± 8.3 min, respectively, P = .043), while estimated blood loss was similar (P = .147). The conversion to open rate was less in the robotic (4%) versus the laparoscopic (11%) group; P = .043. Hospital stay was shorter for the robotic group (1.4 ± 0.2 vs 1.9 ± 0.1 days, respectively, P = .009). The 30-day morbidity was 0 in robotic and 2.7% in laparoscopic group. Pathology was similar between groups. Our study shows that the use of the robot could shorten operative time and decrease the rate of conversion to open for adrenal tumors larger than 5 cm. Based on our favorable experience, robotic adrenalectomy has become our preferred minimally invasive surgical approach for removing large adrenal tumors.
The Weanling's Dilemma Reconsidered: A Biocultural Analysis of Breastfeeding Ecology

Infant feeding practices exert recognized effects on infant survival and command close attention from pediatricians, nutritionists, public health workers, demographers, social scientists, and parents. Despite considerable research and public health efforts, models to inform decision-making about timing of supplementation in policy and practice remain unsatisfactory. In the present review, new models are derived through analysis of the weanling's dilemma. After approximately 6 months, breast milk alone cannot meet the infant's nutritional requirements for growth, but nutritional supplementation raises risks of illness and malnutrition. Timing of supplementation is conditioned by complex short- and long-term trade-offs among infant and maternal needs and constraints. No formulaic solution can be prescribed for this dilemma, but optimal timing of supplementation can be ascertained from infant-, maternal-, and locale-specific conditions. Models for these determinants and trade-offs are presented and applied to data from longitudinal studies of breastfeeding, infant development, and interbirth interval.
Effect of the Moon's Infrared Emission on Thermal Calculations

Thermal calculations of objects near lunar surface, considering IR emission directivity effects
Elevated hydrostatic pressure triggers mitochondrial fission and decreases cellular ATP in differentiated RGC-5 cells.

PURPOSE Mitochondrial fission is a cellular response to stress that has an important role in neuronal cell death in neurodegenerative diseases. The purpose of this study was to determine whether elevated hydrostatic pressure induces mitochondrial fission and dysfunction in cultured retinal ganglion cells. METHODS RGC-5 cells were differentiated with succinyl concanavalin A (50 microg/mL) and transferred to a pressurized incubator in which 30 mm Hg of pressure was applied for 1, 2, or 3 days. As a control, differentiated cells from an identical passage were incubated simultaneously in a conventional incubator at each of the time points. Live RGC-5 cells were then labeled with a red fluorescent mitochondrial dye and mitochondrial morphology was assessed by fluorescence microscopy and electron microscopy. After elevated hydrostatic pressure, the cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels were also measured by a luciferase-based assay. RESULTS Mitochondrial fission, characterized by the conversion of tubular fused mitochondria into isolated small organelles, was triggered in >74.3% +/- 1.9% of mitochondria at 3 days after elevated hydrostatic pressure. Only 4.7% +/- 1.4% of nonpressurized control cells displayed mitochondrial fission after 3 days. Electron microscopy showed that elevated hydrostatic pressure for 3 days induced abnormal cristae depletion and decreased the length of the mitochondria. On elevation of hydrostatic pressure, the fission-linked protein, Drp-1 was translocated from the cytosol to the mitochondria. Elevated hydrostatic pressure also resulted in a significant, time-dependent reduction of cellular ATP. CONCLUSIONS Elevated hydrostatic pressure triggered mitochondrial fission, abnormal cristae depletion, Drp-1 translocation, and cellular ATP reduction in differentiated RGC-5 cells. Increased understanding of the molecular mechanisms that regulate the cellular response to elevated pressure including mitochondrial fission may provide new therapeutic targets for protecting RGCs from elevated hydrostatic pressure.
Bortezomib stabilizes NOXA and triggers ROS-associated apoptosis in medulloblastoma

We have previously demonstrated that bortezomib, a 26S proteasome inhibitor, effectively inhibits medulloblastoma growth in vivo in a genetically engineered Ptch1, p53 mouse model; however, bortezomib is also associated clinically with severe peripheral neuropathy, which would be disadvantageous for patients with central nervous system malignancy. The purpose of this study was to determine the mechanism of bortezomib efficacy in medulloblastoma in order to replicate more specifically the therapeutic advantage of targeting the ubiquitin-proteosome system. In our studies of upstream components of the ubiquitin–proteasome system, we identified the pro-apoptotic protein NOXA as a post-translationally modified target that is stabilized by bortezomib and induces caspase cleavage in the context of reactive oxidative stress induced cell death. These preclinical results may apply to the sizable fraction of Shh-driven human medulloblastoma and perhaps other medulloblastoma subtypes, independent of p53 status.
Comparison of four random to grid methods

Abstract Interpolation of randomly spaced two-dimensional data on a rectangular grid—gridding—is a useful numerical procedure which facilitates subsequent processing such as filtering, contouring by hand or machine, and comparison with other data. Common problems in gridding methods for geological and geophysical data are: (1) obtaining accuracy in regions of sparse data, (2) representing short wavelength features in the data whereas also avoiding introduction of spurious features in the gridded surface, and (3) interpolation near the edges of the sampled area. Four gridding methods were analyzed and their performance compared by application to the same data set. The four methods are: (1) weighted average of closest points, (2) weighted average of three closest points with some azimuth control, (3) local polynomial surface fitting, and (4) piecewise cubic polynomial interpolation along profiles. The local polynomial surface-fitting method, which was developed for this study, is shown to be more versatile and results in a more accurate grid surface than the other gridding techniques investigated.
Phosphatidylcholine synthesis in newborn rabbit lung. Developmental pattern and the influence of nutrition.

Abstract Newborn rabbits were fasted for 72 h. Pulmonary phospholipid content, synthesis and turnover in these rabbits was compared to that in littermate controls fed a balanced diet by gavage. Choline incorporation into phosphatidylcholine and disaturated phosphatidylcholine in lung slices was slightly decreased after 48 h of fasting. By 72 h there was a 36% decrease in the rate of choline incorporation into phosphatidylcholine in the fasted animals (P The specific activity of lung tissue phosphatidylcholine was maximal 6 h after the intraperitoneal injection of [3H]glycerol and fell rapidly thereafter, whereas the specific activity in lung lavage reached a peak 24 h after injection and then declined slowly. This indicates that there is a delay in the appearance of newly synthesized phosphatidylcholine in the alveolar space and a slow turnover of alveolar phosphatidylcholine in the newborn period. Fasting had no effect on lung phosphatidylcholine turnover. The lung lavage phosphatidylcholine content increased during the first 48 h after birth. There was no decrease in the phospholipid, phosphatidylcholine or disaturated phosphatidylcholine content of lung lavage after 72 h of fasting. Lung tissue phospholipid content, however, was decreased after fasting when expressed per lung or per DNA (P
Assessment of lawn care worker exposure to dithiopyr.

Eighteen ChemLawn lawn care specialists were monitored for worker exposure by both passive dosimetry and biological monitoring techniques in the performance of normal duties of mixing/loading and application of DimensionTM herbicide to turfgrass. Passive dosimetry was performed, utilizing cotton gauze patches, silica gel air sampling absorption media, and hand washes as per US Environmental Protection Agency Pesticide Assessment Guidelines. Biological monitoring was performed by analysis of all urine specimens collected from each specialist from initiation until 72 h after application of dithiopyr.
Deeply penetrating photoacoustic tomography in biological tissues enhanced with an optical contrast agent

Photoacoustic tomography (PAT) in a circular scanning configuration was developed to image deeply embedded optical heterogeneity in biological tissues. While the optical penetration was maximized with near-infrared laser pulses of 800-nm wavelength, the optical contrast was enhanced by Indocyanine Green (ICG) dye whose absorption peak matched the laser wavelength. This optimized PAT was able to image objects embedded at depths of as much as 5.2 cm, 6.2 times the 1/e optical penetration depth, in chicken breast muscle at a resolution of <780 µm and a sensitivity of <7 pmol of ICG in blood. The resolution was found to deteriorate slowly with increasing imaging depth. The effects of detection bandwidth on the quality of images acquired simultaneously by four different ultrasonic transducers are described.
The Hidden Meaning of Planck's Constant

A new cosmological paradigm based upon global discrete self-similarity proposes a radical revision in our understanding of atomic scale dynamics. The discrete fractal scaling of this paradigm predicts a very large and discrete scale-dependence for gravitational coupling constants. This alternative gravitational scaling leads to revised values for the Planck mass, Planck length and Planck time, which appear to be more unified and physically comprehensible than is the case with the conventional Planck scale values. The fundamental interrelationship of the revised Planck mass, the corrected gravitational constant for atomic scale systems, the reduced Planck's constant and the velocity of light suggests a hidden meaning for Planck's constant. Within the context of the discrete fractal cosmological paradigm, Planck's constant is revealed as the fundamental unit of gravitational action for atomic scale systems. Implications for atomic scale dynamics are briefly outlined.
Conducting polymer nanofiber-based biosensor for detection of neurochemicals

We have developed a novel method for fabrication of a PEDOT nanofiber-based glucose biosensor on the surface of platinum microelectrodes. Glucose oxidase was immobilized into PEDOT nanofibers during the polymerization process. We have demonstrated that glucose could be detected at a low potential of +300mV versus Ag/AgCl instead of detection of hydrogen peroxide as a by-product at +700mV. The lower voltage applied in this approach may increase the activity and stability of the enzyme. Preliminary results of this work have shown a higher sensitivity (5.7 μA.cm-2.mM-1) and a lower limit of detection (3 μM) in comparison with control PEDOT film (2.1 μA.cm-2.mM-1 and 8 μM respectively). We will investigate the enzyme activity and stability or the long-term performance of PEDOT nanofiber-based glucose biosensors. We believe this study will enable the design and development of sensitive and selective neurochemical biosensors, aiming toward long-term in vivo measurements of neurochemicals.
Azimuthal Fourier Coefficients: a Simple Method to Estimate Fracture Parameters

Summary Azimuthal AVO analysis can be split into two parts: the Amplitude Versus Offset (AVO) analysis and the Amplitude Versus Azimuth (AVAz) analysis. For regularly sampled data in azimuth, the properties of the Fourier transform allow these problems to be treated separately. If we calculate a Fourier transform of the AVAz PP reflectivity data at a particular angle of incidence, we obtain Fourier Coefficients (FCs) that parsimoniously describe the AVAz and anisotropy. It is possible to attach physical significance to each of the FCs by assuming simple rock physics models that relate the anisotropy to the fractures. Assuming a single vertical fracture set, the second FC is approximately equivalent to the anisotropic gradient. Other FCs convey additional independent information about the fractures. The different FCs may be combined in a nonlinear fashion to estimate more fundamental fracture parameters including an unambiguous estimate of the symmetry axis. The FCs are calculated using a limited range of offsets or angles, which places less demands on the data acquisition. This may be advantageous for land 3D data sets, where near offsets are particularly under sampled.
iDoComp: A Compression Scheme for Assembled Genomes

MOTIVATION With the release of the latest next-generation sequencing (NGS) machine, the HiSeq X by Illumina, the cost of sequencing a Human has dropped to a mere $4000. Thus we are approaching a milestone in the sequencing history, known as the $1000 genome era, where the sequencing of individuals is affordable, opening the doors to effective personalized medicine. Massive generation of genomic data, including assembled genomes, is expected in the following years. There is crucial need for compression of genomes guaranteed of performing well simultaneously on different species, from simple bacteria to humans, which will ease their transmission, dissemination and analysis. Further, most of the new genomes to be compressed will correspond to individuals of a species from which a reference already exists on the database. Thus, it is natural to propose compression schemes that assume and exploit the availability of such references. RESULTS We propose iDoComp, a compressor of assembled genomes presented in FASTA format that compresses an individual genome using a reference genome for both the compression and the decompression. In terms of compression efficiency, iDoComp outperforms previously proposed algorithms in most of the studied cases, with comparable or better running time. For example, we observe compression gains of up to 60% in several cases, including H.sapiens data, when comparing with the best compression performance among the previously proposed algorithms. AVAILABILITY iDoComp is written in C and can be downloaded from: http://www.stanford.edu/~iochoa/iDoComp.html (We also provide a full explanation on how to run the program and an example with all the necessary files to run it.).
Spillovers, Efficiency, and Productivity Growth in Advertising

We develop a tractable theoretical framework for analyzing the effect of advertising efficiency and spillovers on productivity growth in advertising. Maintaining the separability assumption between sales and production technology, the proposed methodology relies on sales cost function decomposition of advertising productivity and the duality between media distance and sales cost functions. Utilizing a flexible Translog distance function, the methodology is applied to the advertising activity of meat processing firms in Greece during 1983-2008. Changes in allocative efficiency, scale economies, and, to a lesser extent, technical change and advertising spillovers were the most important drivers of productivity growth during the period analyzed. Copyright 2012, Oxford University Press.
Communication in Crisis Explaining Evacuation Symbolically

The communication of messages of the impending impact of some natural disaster agent can play a key role in averting natural catastrophe. This article examines the social processes involved in disaster warnings which function to elicit evacuation in such threat situations. These processes and the role of the mass media in forming situational definitions requisite for evacuation are examined in reference to data gathered in Rapid City, South Dakota where on June 9, 1972 a flash flood produced a major disaster.
A Question of Race: Pope Pius XII and the “Coloured Troops” in Italy

(2002). A Question of Race: Pope Pius XII and the “Coloured Troops” in Italy. The Historian: Vol. 65, No. 2, pp. 403-417.
ENVIRONMENTAL STIMULI AND THE FREQUENCY OF HEAD-SHAKING IN LINES OF WHITE LEGHORN HENS

Abstract The effects of various stimuli on the frequency of head-shaking were measured in two lines of White Leghorn hens selected for high (HA) and low (LA) antibody titers to sheep erythrocyte antigen(s). Frequency of head-shaking increased when tapes of random rooster vocalizations were played, although the presence of roosters of the same age did not alter head-shaking frequency when several days were allowed for hens to accustom themselves to the roosters. Presentation of electronically generated noises did not change the number of head-shakes in LA hens, but HA hens reduced their frequency of head-shaking after the electronically generated noise stopped. Differences in frequency of head-shaking between the two selected lines occurred before test stimuli were presented in all cases.
A procedure to set phase and amplitude of the RF in the SNS linac's superconducting cavities

This paper describes a procedure to set the phase and amplitude of the RF fields in the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) linac's superconducting cavities. The linac uses superconducting cavities to accelerate the H/sup -/ ion beam from the normal conducting linac at 185 MeV to a final energy of /spl sim/1 GeV. There are two types of cavities in the linac, 33 cavities with a geometric beta of 0.61 and 48 cavities with a geometric beta of 0.81. The correct phase setting of any single superconducting cavity depends on the RF phase and amplitude of all the preceding superconducting cavities. For the beam to be properly accelerated it must arrive at each cavity with a relative phase (/spl phi//sub s/), called the synchronous phase, of about -20 degrees. That is, it must arrive early with respect to the phase at which it would gain the maximum energy by 20 degrees. This timing provides the longitudinal focusing. Beam particles arriving slightly later gain more energy and move faster relative to the synchronous beam particle. The problem is to set the phase and amplitude of each cavity in the linac; so that the synchronous particle arrives at each cavity with the correct phase. The amplitude of each superconducting cavity will be adjusted as high as possible constrained only by the available RF power and the breakdown field of the cavity.
Channel form and processes in bedrock and alluvial reaches of the Raritan River, New Jersey

Fluvial geomorphologists have generally considered alluvial and bedrock channels to be fundamentally different in character, alluvial channels being shaped by sediment-transport processes and bedrock channels being shaped by structural and lithologic controls. This study examines a 12-km bedrock-floored reach of the Raritan River that separates two gravel-bed reaches, above and below. The bedrock channel has a patchy veneer of sandy gravel that covers the bed in areas of low slope but elsewhere consists of lateral bars and discrete, two-dimensional gravel bed forms perched on bedrock. Mean B -axes of the 25 largest clasts on the crests of these bed forms range from 10.4 to 13.8 cm. Shear stresses estimated from measured velocity profiles and depth-slope calculations indicate that most clasts on the bed forms are entrained by the bankfull discharge (290 m/s) which is equaled or exceeded about 1%of the time. The thalweg of the 80-m-wide channel is incised about 0.5 to 0.7 m, and it meanders with a wavelength of about 750 m, or approximately 10 times channel width. This thalweg meander wavelength is consistent with reference to drainage area when compared to channel meander wavelengths in other locations within the basin and is similar to that in other rivers of comparable dimensions and discharge. The bedrock-alluvial reach is similar to alluvial channels with reference to meander geometry and sediment distribution. It occupies an intermediate position on a continuum of channels-of varying sediment supply in relation to transport capacity, ranging from alluvial channels to those completely formed in bedrock.
Type VII collagen is enriched in the enamel organic matrix associated with the dentin–enamel junction of mature human teeth

The inner enamel region of erupted teeth is known to exhibit higher fracture toughness and crack growth resistance than bulk phase enamel. However, an explanation for this behavior has been hampered by the lack of compositional information for the residual enamel organic matrix. Since enamel-forming ameloblasts are known to express type VII collagen and type VII collagen null mice display abnormal amelogenesis, the aim of this study was to determine whether type VII collagen is a component of the enamel organic matrix at the dentin-enamel junction (DEJ) of mature human teeth. Immunofluorescent confocal microscopy of demineralized tooth sections localized type VII collagen to the organic matrix surrounding individual enamel rods near the DEJ. Morphologically, immunoreactive type VII collagen helical-bundles resembled the gnarled-pattern of enamel rods detected by Coomassie Blue staining. Western blotting of whole crown or enamel matrix extracts also identified characteristic Mr=280 and 230 kDa type VII dimeric forms, which resolved into 75 and 25 kDa bands upon reduction. As expected, the collagenous domain of type VII collagen was resistant to pepsin digestion, but was susceptible to purified bacterial collagenase. These results demonstrate the inner enamel organic matrix in mature teeth contains macromolecular type VII collagen. Based on its physical association with the DEJ and its well-appreciated capacity to complex with other collagens, we hypothesize that enamel embedded type VII collagen fibrils may contribute not only to the structural resilience of enamel, but may also play a role in bonding enamel to dentin.
Weak solutions to the initial boundary value problem for a semilinear wave equation with damping and source terms

In this paper we show local existence of solutions to the initial boundary value problem corresponding to a semilinear wave equation with interior damping and source terms. The diculty in dealing with these two competitive forces comes from the fact that the source term is not a locally Lipschitz function from H 1 () into L 2 () as typically assumed in the literature. The strategy behind the proof is based on the physics of the problem, so it does not use the damping present in the equation. The arguments are natural and adaptable
Suppression of apoptosis by bcl-2 overexpression in lymphoid cells of transgenic zebrafish.

The zebrafish is an attractive vertebrate model for genetic studies of development, apoptosis, and cancer. Here we describe a transgenic zebrafish line in which T- and B-lymphoid cells express a fusion transgene that encodes the zebrafish bcl-2 protein fused to the enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP). Targeting EGFP-bcl-2 to the developing thymocytes of transgenic fish resulted in a 2.5-fold increase in thymocyte numbers and a 1.8-fold increase in GFP-labeled B cells in the kidney marrow. Fluorescent microscopic analysis of living rag2-EGFP-bcl-2 transgenic fish showed that their thymocytes were resistant to irradiation- and dexamethasone-induced apoptosis, when compared with control rag2-GFP transgenic zebrafish. To test the ability of bcl-2 to block irradiation-induced apoptosis in malignant cells, we compared the responsiveness of Myc-induced leukemias with and without EGFP-bcl-2 expression in living transgenic zebrafish. T-cell leukemias induced by the rag2-EGFP-Myc transgene were ablated by irradiation, whereas leukemias in double transgenic fish expressing both Myc and EGFP-bcl-2 were resistant to irradiation-induced apoptotic cell death. The forward genetic capacity of the zebrafish model system and the ability to monitor GFP-positive thymocytes in vivo make this an ideal transgenic line for modifier screens designed to identify genetic mutations or small molecules that modify bcl-2-mediated antiapoptotic pathways. (Blood. 2005;105:3278-3285)
Thioguanine for refractory psoriasis: A 4-year experience

Abstract Background: A variety of systemically administered drugs are used to treat psoriasis, including methotrexate, cyclosporine, acitretin, and hydroxyurea. Unfortunately, some wpatients are unresponsive to these agents. For others, side effects and cumulative toxicity prevent continued use. Objective: Our purpose is to report the results of thioguanine (6-thioguanine) treatment of 21 patients with refractory psoriasis. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of the treatment courses of 21 patients with psoriasis who were treated with thioguanine. Daily dosing and pulse dosing were both used, from 20 mg two times a week to 120 mg daily. All patients had been treated with other systemic therapies, and the majority (86%) had been treated with methotrexate. Results: Patient outcome (response to treatment relative to baseline) was classified into 3 groups: those with more than 90% improvement, those with between 50% and 90% improvement, and those with less than 50% improvement. Outcome data were based on the patient's subjective rating of disease severity before the start of thioguanine therapy and during the entire treatment course. Of the 18 patients able to be evaluated, 14 of 18 (78%) had dramatic improvement (>90%); 3 of 18 (17%) had lesser improvement (50%-90%); and only 1 of 18 had less than 50% improvement. The mean duration of treatment was 15.5 months. The primary side effect was myelosuppression, mild in 9 of 18 (white blood cell counts ranging from 1600-3700/μL; platelet counts ranging from 90,000-122,000/μL, and hematocrit values ranging from 24%-31%), and severe in 1 of 18 (white blood cell count of 1300/μL, platelet count of 17,000/μL, and hematocrit of 20%). Conclusion: Thioguanine appears to be an effective treatment for patients with severe recalcitrant psoriasis. Myelosuppression is a significant, but easily monitored side effect that can now be more accurately predicted by determining thiopurine methyltransferase levels before starting thioguanine. Further prospective studies are needed to establish criteria, which will maximize efficacy of this drug in the treatment of psoriasis and minimize toxicity. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2001;44:67-72.)
Concentration, UV-spectroscopic characteristics and fractionation of DOC in stormflow from an urban stream, Southern California, USA

Environmental context. There is concern that there may be public health issues associated with dissolved organic carbon (DOC) because of its unknown composition and reactivity to disinfection in water used for public supply. Here, changes in the concentration and composition of DOC in stormflow (1995–2004) in the Santa Ana River and its tributaries is evaluated based on its optical properties, molecular weight and solubility differences of the contributing DOC components. Such a study may allow improved water management in the future. Ongoing work in the study area has shown that DOC in surface water diverted for groundwater recharge degrades to near natural levels in underlying aquifers pumped for public supply. Abstract. The composition of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in stormflow from urban areas has been greatly altered, both directly and indirectly, by human activities and there is concern that there may be public health issues associated with DOC, which has unknown composition from different sources within urban watersheds. This study evaluated changes in the concentration and composition of DOC in stormflow in the Santa Ana River and its tributaries between 1995 and 2004 using a simplified approach based on the differences in the optical properties of DOC and using operationally defined differences in molecular weight and solubility. The data show changes in the composition of DOC in stormflow during the rainy season and differences associated with runoff from different parts of the basin, including extensive upland areas burned prior to the 2004 rainy season. Samples were collected from the Santa Ana River, which drains ~6950 km2 of the densely populated coastal area of southern California, during 23 stormflows between 1995 and 2004. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations during the first stormflows of the ‘winter’ (November to March) rainy season increased rapidly with streamflow and were positively correlated with increased faecal indicator bacteria concentrations. DOC concentrations were not correlated with streamflow or with other constituents during stormflows later in the rainy season and DOC had increasing UV absorbance per unit carbon as the rainy season progressed. DOC concentrations in stormflow from an urban drain tributary to the river also increased during stormflow and were greater than concentrations in the river. DOC concentrations in stormflow from a tributary stream, draining urban and agricultural land that contained more than 320000 animals, mostly dairy cows, were higher than concentrations in stormflow from the river and from the urban drain. Fires that burned large areas of the basin before the 2004 rainy season did not increase DOC concentrations in the river during stormflow after the fires – possibly because the large watershed of the river damped the effect of the fires. However, the fires increased the hydrophobic neutral organic carbon fraction of DOC in stormflow from the urban drain and the tributary stream.
A learning progression for scientific argumentation: Understanding student work and designing supportive instructional contexts

Argumentation is a central goal of science education because it engages students in a complex scientific practice in which they construct and justify knowledge claims. Although there is a growing body of research around argumentation, there has been little focus on developing a learning progression for this practice. We describe a learning progression to understand both students' work in scientific argumentation and the ways in which the instructional environment can support students in that practice. This learning progression describes three dimensions: (1) instructional context, (2) argumentative product, and (3) argumentative process. In this paper, we compare four examples from elementary, middle, and high school science classrooms to explore the ways in which students' arguments vary in complexity across grade level and instructional contexts. Our comparisons suggest that simplifying the instructional context may facilitate students in engaging in other aspects of argumentation in more complex ways. The instructional context may also be used as a tool to support students in argumentation in new content areas and to increase the complexity of their written arguments, which may be weaker than their oral arguments. Furthermore, classroom norms play an important role in supporting students of all ages, including elementary students, in argumentation. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed94:765–793, 2010
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in Older Panic Disorder Patients.

Although there are a number of studies reporting the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy for panic disorder in younger patients, such studies are lacking for older adults. This study used a subject sample (N = 20; 5 dropouts, 15 completers) of self-referred, community-dwelling older adults who met DSM-III-R criteria for panic disorder. Ten sessions of cognitive-behavioral therapy were provided over a 12-week period. Cognitive, behavioral, physiological, affective, and global domains (dimensions) were assessed by self-report measures. Statistically significant results of pretreatment, posttreatment, and 3-month follow-up means were found across domains, suggesting that treatment was efficacious.
Endovascular Treatment of Cerebral Artery Aneurysms during Pregnancy: Report of Three Cases

Historically, surgical management of cerebral aneurysms during pregnancy has been controversial. Debate originally focused on early versus late intervention, before or after delivery of the fetus. More recently, treatment has centered on rapid intervention. We describe the endovascular treatment of cerebral artery aneurysms with Guglielmi detachable coils in three pregnant women.
Enhanced interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha production by LPS stimulated human monocytes isolated from HIV+ patients.

AbstractPeriodontal disease and tooth loss is a common finding among advanced HIV+ patients. In addition to local oral lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, systemic up-regulation of monocyte pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion may also be involved in the pathogenesis of HIV disease. A study was undertaken to investigate IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α production by resting and LPS stimulated monocytes isolated from HIV + patients and also to investigate the relationship of the patient's HIV viral load status to the cytokine production. Whole blood samples in EDTA were collected from 39 HIV-1 infected patients and 20 age and sex matched uninfected controls. Plasma was separated by centrifugation. Viral load was determined using a quantitative RT-PCR. Monocytes were isolated by Ficoll-hypaque gradient separation followed by overnight plastic adherence. Cultured monocytes (1 × 106ml) were stimulated with LPS (1 μg/ml) of either P. gingivalis or F. nucleatum for 2, 8, 24 and 48 h and supernatant fluids were collected....
Detecting Primary User Emulation Attacks in Dynamic Spectrum Access Networks

In this paper, we present an analytical model as well as a practical mechanism to detect denial of service (DoS) attacks on secondary users in dynamic spectrum access (DSA) networks. In particular, we analyze primary user emulation attacks (PUEA) in cognitive radio networks without using any location information and therefore can do away with dedicated sensor networks. We present an analysis using Fenton's approximation and Wald's sequential probability ratio test (WSPRT) to detect PUEA. Simulation results demonstrate that it is possible to keep the probability of success of PUEA low, while still keeping the probability of missing the return of the primary low as well.
Responding to the Debate Between Sasson, et al., and Cohen and Kelman

Both sets of authors work within a set of boundaries I find too constraining. As careful and revealing as their work is, they do not examine their assumptions about the desirability of attachment, about the usefulness of Taglit-Birthright, and about what it means to ask respondents their views on “the West Bank settlements.” Perhaps because of these limits, they neither seek nor find a healthy form of distancing from Israel that might be useful for its holders, for the US Jewish community, and even for Israel itself. I offer a critical response to both articles and to the frameworks and methodology they present.
Adaptive execution of variable-accuracy functions

Many analysis applications require the ability to repeatedly execute sophisticated modeling functions, which can each take minutes or even hours to produce a single answer. Because of this expense, such applications have largely been unable to directly use such models in queries, with either on-demand or continuous query processing technology. Query processors are hindered in their ability to optimize expensive modeling functions due to the "black box" nature of existing user-defined function (UDF) interfaces. In this paper, we address the problem of querying over sophisticated models with the development of VAOs (Variable-Accuracy Operators). VAOs use a new function interface that exposes the trade-off between compute time and accuracy that exists in many modeling functions. Using this interface, VAOs adaptively run each function call in a query only to an accuracy needed to answer the query, thus eliminating unneeded work. In this paper, we present the design of VAOs for a set of common query operations. We show the effectiveness of VAOs using a prototype implementation running financial queries over real bond market data.
Theoretical analysis and optimization of CDS signal processing method for CCD image sensors

The correlated double sampling (CDS) signal processing method used in processing of video signals from CCD image sensors is theoretically analyzed. The CDS signal processing is frequency used to remove noise, which is generated by the reset operation of the floating diffusion charge detection node, from the signal. The derived formulas for the noise power spectral density provide an invaluable insight into the choice of the circuit parameters affecting the noise spectrum. The obtained results are useful for determining the optimum cutoff frequency of the low-pass filter which precedes the sample-and-hold circuit and for finding the optimum size of the input transistor in the first amplifier stage. Once the optimum parameters are determined it is possible to find the minimum electron equivalent noise and the maximum signal-to-noise ratio achievable with this signal processing method. The validity of the derived theoretical results is confirmed by making comparisons with the experimental data. >
Circulation in Fractures, Hot Springs, and Convective Heat Transport on Mid-ocean Ridge Crests

Summary Hot springs in continental geothermal areas, thermal springs which are not associated with known high-temperature areas, and hot springs associated with hydrothermal circulation on ocean ridge crests are described by models based on fluid flow in fractures. A steady state model shows that fractures of the order of a few millimetres wide can carry a substantial convective flow and that the convective flow depends upon the third power of the fracture width. The steady state model also furnishes estimates of conductive temperature losses in springs and gives estimates of the depths of circulation for thermal springs in the southeastern United States which are in good agreement with available field data. In many cases the temperature and flow rate of springs is non-stationary. This is particularly true of hot springs in high temperature geothermal areas and it is expected to be true of springs on mid-ocean ridge crests. Time-dependent models for springs show that the main effect of the circulation is to lower the regional geothermal gradient. Non-stationary convection controlled by fractures can explain the variability of heat flow data obtained near ocean ridge crests. A numerical example shows that convection in a block 3 km wide, containing fractures 3 mm wide and 5 km deep, and circulating for 104 years gives rise to a hot spring with a temperature of 125 °C and a flow rate of 0.14 kg m−1 s−1. Such a spring discharging at the sea floor would give rise to an unmeasurably small temperature anomaly in the sea water. The convective heat transfer due to such a circulation system is roughly 200 times greater than the heat transfer that would have been achieved by conduction alone.
Polarization Effects on the Millimeter Wave Dielectric Properties of Pesticide

This study investigates the effect of polarization on the dielectric measurements of pesticide. Dispersive Fourier Transform Spectroscopy was utilized to measure the absorption coefficient and refractive index from 180 to 420 GHz. Variations in the results due to polarization and birefringence were investigated by calculating the average value, standard deviation and percentage variations in dielectric data. Noticeable variations in the absorption coefficient data have been observed. The sinusoidal relationship between the dielectric properties and the rotation angle confirms the existence of birefringence effect.
The Strange Glitch in the Rhode Island Rules of Evidence

Although hearsay is generally inadmissible, the law of evidence has long recognized an exception for statements made by a witness who identifies a suspect at a lineup. This article discusses the reason for that exception, and examines a bizarre drafting error in the version of that rule in the Rhode Island Rules of Evidence, which explains why cautious police officers in that state have an unusual reason to make sure they have a mirror on hand at every line-up.
Reynolds Number Scaling of Leakage Vortex Flow

To study the Reynolds number scaling of cavitation inception, a ducted propulsor simulation is developed and extensively validated with experimental results. The simulation is used as a tool for investigating the minimum pressure, circulation, and axial/tangential velocities in the vortex core, thus providing a means of correlating these quantities to Reynolds number. The simulation reveals that the leakage vortex exhibits little dependence on Reynolds number, while the trailing edge vortex appears to exhibit classical trends. Moreover, the trailing edge, albeit the weaker vortex, appears to be causing inception.
The Relationship between Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy and Firm Performance: A Meta-Analysis of Main and Moderator Effects†

Entrepreneurial self‐efficacy (ESE) is an important construct in entrepreneurship research. It captures entrepreneurs’ specific self‐efficacy in accomplishing entrepreneurial tasks. Because various...
Assessing the Performance of Density Functional Theory for the Electronic Structure of Metal-Salens: The M06 Suite of Functionals and the d4-Metals

We have systematically investigated the electronic structure of the d⁴ metal-salen complexes including the Cr(II)-, Mn(III)-, Fe(IV)-, Mo(II)-, Tc(III)-, and Ru(IV)-salen complexes. Density functional theory (DFT) has been employed, using the BP86 and B3LYP functionals, and the entire M05 and M06 suites of meta-generalized gradient functionals. These results are compared to robust complete active-space self-consistent field (CASSCF) optimized geometries and complete active-space third-order perturbation theory (CASPT3) energies for the lowest singlet, triplet, and quintet states. Although the M06 and M06-L DFT functionals have been generally recommended for computations on complexes that contain main group and transition metals, none of the M0-functionals appear statistically better than the B3LYP functional for the computation of spin-state energy gaps. DFT- and CASSCF-optimized geometries normally agree to within 0.3 A least root mean squared deviation (LRMSD) for the singlet and triplet structures and less than 0.1 A LRMSD for the quintet structures. It can be concluded that no DFT functional tested here can be considered reliable over all metal-salen complexes and it is highly recommended that the accuracy of any given DFT functional should be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Framing the Family Meal A Comparison of Social Marketing Campaigns and Parents’ Views

Research suggests family meals are associated with positive outcomes for children, leading scholars to recommend their public promotion. Several organizations have created campaigns promoting family meals, but little research has been done on their efficacy. This article compares framing strategies of family meal campaigns with parents’ understandings of feeding work, based on content analysis of 10 campaign websites and interviews with 46 American parents. The analysis suggests that while the motivational and diagnostic frames campaigns use are likely to resonate with parents, their prognostic framing does not align with parents’ experiences. Campaign frames are least likely to resonate with single parents, who face more barriers to having the kinds of meals they want and have fewer ideas for overcoming them. To be more effective, organizations promoting family meals should focus on innovative but relatable strategies for improving family meal frequency and quality, with a particular emphasis on single p...
Evidence-based nursing in the patients with ICU single nasal oxygen application

Objective To explore the evidence-based nursing in directing ICU patients after tracheal extubation oxygen application effect.Methods 40 cases of ventilator withdrawal,extubation,were given a single nasal oxygen were randomly divided into observation group and control group.First put forward in the light of the problem of nursing problems,consult literature and relevant data,and analyzed,making nursing measures,training personnel.The control group were given routine nursing care.Results The patients in the observation group were higher than those in the control group of oxygen inhalation compliance,fewer complications,improve the effect of oxygen absorption.Conclusion Evidence based nursing can guide ICU nurses of the nursing work,enhancing the compliance of patients,improve the quality of nursing care.
Effects of partial replacement of corn and alfalfa silage with tall fescue hay on total-tract digestibility and lactation performance in dairy cows

Our objective was to evaluate the effects of replacing either corn or alfalfa silage with tall fescue hay on total-tract neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility and lactation performance in dairy cows. Twenty-four primiparous (75±35 d in milk) and 40 multiparous (68±19 d in milk) Holstein cows were blocked by parity and randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatment groups in a pen equipped with 32 feeding gates to record intake by cow. Each gate was randomly assigned to 1 treatment group; thus, each cow had access to all 8 gates within the respective treatment and cow was the experimental unit. Treatments were formulated to replace either corn silage (CS) or alfalfa silage (AS) with tall fescue hay (TF) as follows (DM basis): 33% AS and 67% CS (control; 33AS67CS), 60% TF and 40% AS (60TF40AS), 60% TF and 40% CS (60TF40CS), and 33% TF and 67% CS (33TF67CS). The experiment was a 7-wk continuous lactation trial with a 2-wk covariate period. Milk production did not differ among treatments and averaged 40.4 kg/d. Fat yield and concentration and protein yield and concentration did not differ among treatments and averaged 1.58 kg/d, 3.94%, 1.28 kg/d, and 3.15%, respectively. Dry matter intake was greater for 33AS67CS (24.5 kg/d) compared with 60TF40CS (22.1 kg/d) and 33TF67CS (22.7 kg/d), and tended to be greater than 60TF40AS (23.2 kg/d). In vivo total-tract dry matter digestibility did not differ among treatments and averaged 66.2%. In vivo total-tract NDF digestibility was lower for 33AS67CS (37.8%) compared with 60TF40AS (44.4%) and 33TF67CS (45.3%), and similar to 60TF40CS (42.4%). In vivo total-tract NDF digestibility and an estimate of in situ total-tract NDF digestibility were similar between techniques across all treatment diets (42.3 vs. 42.6%, respectively). Inclusion of tall fescue grass hay increased the total-tract NDF digestibility of the diet and has the potential to replace corn silage and alfalfa silage and maintain milk production if economically feasible based on current market prices.