cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cone function studied with flicker electroretinogram during progressive retinal degeneration in RCS rats.

Abstract The Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rat has a primary defect in retinal pigment epithelial cells that leads to the progressive loss of photoreceptors and central visual responsiveness. While most rods are lost by 90 days of age (P90), cones degenerate more slowly, and can be detected anatomically up to 2 years of age, despite massive neuronal death and retinal remodelling. To examine how this progressive degenerative process impacts on cone function, we recorded the electroretingram to white light flashes (1·37 log cd s m−2) presented at frequencies ranging from 3 to 50 Hz, under light adapted conditions (29·8 cd m−2). Pigmented dystrophic and congenic non-dystrophic RCS rats aged from 18 to 300 days were studied. In all responsive animals at all ages, maximal amplitudes were obtained at 3 Hz. In both non-dystrophic and dystrophic rats, there was an increase from P18 to P21 in response amplitude and critical fusion frequency. After P21, these two parameters declined progressively with age in dystrophic rats. Other changes included prolongation in latency, which was first detected prior to the initiation of amplitude reduction. While phase shifts were also detected in dystrophic RCS rats, they appeared at later degenerative stages. The latest age at which responses could be elicited in dystrophic rats was at P200, with positive waves being replaced by negative deflections. The effect of increments in the intensity of background illumination was tested at P50 in both groups. This caused a diminution in flicker response amplitude and critical fusion frequencies in non-dystrophics, while in dystrophic animals, response amplitudes were reduced only at low frequencies and critical fusion frequencies were unaltered. In conclusion, although dystrophic RCS rats undergo a progressive decline in cone function with age, the flicker responsiveness at P21 is comparable to that of non-dystrophic congenic rats, suggesting normal developmental maturation of the cone system in this animal model of retinal degeneration. Flicker responses can be recorded up to P200, at which point the retina has undergone severe regressive and reactive changes in its connectivity patterns. The fact that responses at this age consist of solely negative deflections might be a reflection of the highly pathological state of the retina.
The War on Terrorism and the Administration of the American State

Conditions of war lead to a style of teleocratic governance and administration that is at odds with the idea of civil association reflected in the American constitutional state. As a result, war can put our traditional notions of humanity, pluralism, and limited government at risk. In order to defend the values of civil association, public administrators should understand and appreciate the principles undergirding our constitutional system of governance and administration.
SU-FF-T-425: Treatment Planning Advantages of Proton Scattered Beam and Intensity Modulated Proton Therapy Over IMRT for Pancreas Tumors

Purpose: To examine potential treatment planning advantages of proton scattered beam and intensity modulated proton therapy over IMRT for pancreas tumors.Methods and Materials: Five patients with pancreatic tumors were selected. Treatment plans for the conedown phase of the treatment were developed using three different modalities: IMRT,proton scattered beam, and intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT). The motion of the pancreas was compensated for by using margins equal to those used in IMRT planning. A dose of 1440 cGy in 8 fractions was prescribed to the target. The IMRT plan consisted of 5 coplanar fields and was developed using the Eclipse treatment planning system. The single field proton scattered beam plan was computed using the Eclipse system with an IBA proton nozzle, an aperture block, and a compensator. The IMPT plan was calculated through the use of an in‐house method utilizing GEANT4, a validated Monte Carlo method. The IMPT procedure uses a step and shoot “spot scanning” method with Gaussian beams with an initial width of 8 mm FWHM. Plan optimization for the scanning treatment was performed using the Cimmino algorithm, a feasibility method that utilizes upper and lower dose constraints. Dose distributions, dose volume histograms, and dose statistics were calculated and compared for the three modalities. Results: All plans provided similar coverage of the target. The proton scattered beam plan exhibited better dose homogeneity than the IMRT plan, while the IMPT plan produced noticeable hot spots. These hot spots are a result of the spacing of the Bragg peaks and are avoidable. Both the proton scattered beam and the IMPT plan provided significant sparing of all organs at risk compared to the IMRT plan. Conclusions: Proton therapy in the forms of both scattered beam and IMPT offers organ sparing advantages over IMRT in the treatment of pancreatic tumors.
Nutrition Knowledge and Intake of Selected Nutrients in Pregnant Women with and Without AIDS/HIV

Abstract Subjects were a convenience sample of pregnant women attending OB/GYN and OB/GYN Immunology outpatient clinics in a major metropolitan area. After providing consent, 16 HIV+ and 21 HIV− pregnant women completed a nutrition knowledge and food safety questionnaire specific for pregnant HIV+ women. The subjects were also interviewed to obtain demographics and a 24-hr food recall. The average age of the subjects was 23 years. No significant differences were found between the HIV+ and HIV− subjects for age, height, pre-pregnancy weight, or current weight No significant difference was found in knowledge scores of the two groups (p=0.302). Mean knowledge scores of the HIV+ and HIV− subjects were 67.3% ± 15.4 and 62.5% ± 12.5, respectively. Higher intakes of calories, protein, and folate (p=0.017, p=0.003, and p=0.006, respectively) were found in the HTV+ group. Additionally, a higher proportion of the HIV+ group met the recommended level or RDA for specific nutrients. Registered Dietitians were reported as the source of nutrition information by only 6.3% of the HIV+ subjects in comparison to 19.1% of the HIV− subjects. Only 25% of the HIV+ subjects reported that issues of food safety had been discussed with them. Despite some differences in intake between HTV+ and HIV− pregnant women, the results of this study demonstrate a continuing need for education on nutrition and food safety issues in this population. Because the sample size of this study was small, more studies are needed to corroborate the results.
Facebook Use and the Tendency to Ruminate among College Students: Testing Mediational Hypotheses

Studies have found that general use of Facebook influences subjective well-being. However, fewer studies have explored the impact of specific use behaviors, such as information posted in status updates. The current study uses data collected from 251 Facebook-using undergraduate students through an online survey, and examines the valence and frequency of Facebook status updates as predictors of three measures of subjective well-being: life satisfaction, physical health, and depression. Valence and frequency of status updates strongly predict the tendency to ruminate, and rumination mediates the effects of positive and negative status update frequency on subjective well-being. Results support the conclusion that rumination mediates the impact of Facebook status updates on subjective well-being more strongly than Facebook status updates mediate the impact of rumination on subjective well-being.
A model for the pathogenesis of bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaw and teriparatide's potential role in its resolution

Objective The objective of this study was to present a comprehensive model for the pathogenesis of bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaw (BON). Study design Review of PubMed literature relevant to BON, bisphosphonates (BPs), and bone remodeling. Results Six case reports of spontaneous resolution of BON lesions following administration of teriparatide (Forteo; Eli Lilly and Co., Indianapolis, IN) were identified. These reports suggest that osteoanabolic therapies may hold promise in BON management. Here we propose that BON pathogenesis is multifactorial and is the combined result of attenuated osteoblastic activity (owing to the patient's underlying disease, e.g., osteoporosis or multiple myeloma), BP-mediated osteoclast toxicity, and the resultant compromised osteoblast-osteoclast interactions during bone remodeling. Consequently, a vicious cycle of ineffective local remodeling results in the persistence of defective bone, compromised tissue perfusion, and if unresolved, ultimately leads to necrosis. Conclusions Our model for BON pathogenesis advocates for earlier therapeutic intervention in BON. The biological rationale for teriparatide's efficacy in BON justifies further investigation.
Nanoparticle Applications in Ocular Gene Therapy

The use of nanoparticles as carriers for the delivery of therapeutic materials to target tissues has became popular in recent years and has demonstrated great potentials for the treatments of a wide range of diseases. In this review, we summarize the advantages of nanotechnology as a common gene delivery strategy with emphasis on ocular therapy. Particular attention is paid to the CK30-PEG compacted DNA nanoparticles that have been successfully tested in the eye, lung, and brain. These particles resulted in higher transfection efficiency and longer duration of expression than other non-viral vectors without any toxicity or other side effects. They have been safely used clinically and are efficient for a broad range of gene therapy applications. The review also discusses mechanisms of nanoparticle uptake and internalization by cells, obstacles and limitations to the use of this technology, as well as novel methodologies to optimize nanoparticle driven gene expression.
Efficiency improvement opportunities for ceiling fans

Ceiling fans contribute significantly to residential electricity consumption, especially in developing countries with warm climates. This paper provides an analysis of costs and benefits of several options to improve the efficiency of ceiling fans to assess the global potential for electricity savings and green house gas (GHG) emission reductions. Ceiling fan efficiency can be cost-effectively improved by at least 50 % using commercially available technology. If these efficiency improvements are implemented in all ceiling fans sold by 2020, 70 TWh/year could be saved and 25 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-e) emissions per year could be avoided, globally. We assess how policies and programs such as standards, labels, and financial incentives can be used to accelerate the adoption of efficient ceiling fans in order to realize potential savings.
Spatializing States: Toward an Ethnography of Neoliberal Governmentality

In this exploratory article, we ask how states come to be understood as entities with particular spatial characteristics, and how changing relations between practices of government and national territories may be challenging long-established modes of state spatiality. In the first part of this article, we seek to identify two principles that are key to state spatialization: vertically (thestate is "above"society) andencompassm ent (thestate "encompasses" its localities). We use ethnographic evidence from a maternal health project in India to illustrate our argument that perceptions of verticality and encompassment are produced through routine bureaucratic practices. In the second part, we develop a concept of transnational governmentality as a way of grasping how new practices of government and new forms of "grassroots" politics may call into question the principles of vertical ity and encompassment that have long helped to legitimate and naturalize states' authority over "the local." [states, space, governmentality, globalization, neoliberalism, India, Africa] Recent years have seen a new level of anthropological concern with the modern
Interactions of Tc(IV) with humic substances.

To understand the key processes affecting 99Tc mobility in the subsurface and help with the remediation of contaminated sites, the binding constants of several humic substances (humic and fulvic acids) with Tc(IV) were determined, using a solvent extraction technique. The novelty of this paper lies in the determination of the binding constants of the complexes formed with the individual species TcO(OH)+ and TcO(OH)20. Binding constants were found to be 6.8 and between 3.9 and 4.3, for logβ1,−1,1 and logβ1,−2,1, respectively; these values were little modified by a change of ionic strength, in most cases, between 0.1 and 1.0 M, nor were they by the nature and origin of the humic substances. Modeling calculations based on these show TcO(OH)−HA to be the predominant complex in a system containing 20 ppm HA and in the 4−6 pH range, whereas TcO(OH)20 and TcO(OH)2−HA are the major species, in the pH 6−8 range.
Morphological and molecular evidence for phylogeny and classification of South American pitvipers, genera Bothrops, Bothriopsis, and Bothrocophias (Serpentes: Viperidae)

Species in the genus Bothrops s. l. are extraordinarily variable in ecology and geography, compared with other genera in the subfamily Crotalinae. In contrast to the trend of splitting large and variable groups into smaller, more ecologically and phenotypically cohesive genera, the genus Bothrops has remained speciose. In addition, previous phylogenetic analyses have found Bothrops to be paraphyletic with respect to the genus Bothriopsis. Taxonomic arguments exist for synonymizing Bothriopsis with Bothrops, and for splitting Bothrops into smaller genera, but the greatest hindrance to taxonomic revision has been incomplete phylogenetic information. We present a phylogeny of Bothrops, Bothriopsis, and Bothrocophias based on 85 characters of morphology and 2343 bp of four mitochondrial gene regions, and with significantly greater taxonomic coverage than previous studies. The combined data provide improved support over independent datasets, and support the existence of discrete species groups within Bothrops. The monophyly and distinctness of these groups warrant recognition at the generic level, and we propose a new taxonomic arrangement to reflect these findings. © 2009 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2009, 156, 617–640.
Top management team turnover as an adaptation mechanism: The role of the environment

Based on an organizational adaptation framework, this study examines the influence of three environmental dimensions–munificence, stability, and complexity–on top management team turnover. In addition to investigating the direct influence of these environmental dimensions, indirect effects through firm performance and strategic change are also examined; the indirect effect of environmental complexity through demographic heterogeneity is also studied. Path analysis indicates that the direct effects of the three environmental dimensions predominate. Indirect effects were nonsignificant except for the effect of instability and munificence through strategic change. By expanding the team turnover context to include environmental and strategic dimensions, in addition to previously examined performance and heterogeneity factors, this study enhances our understanding of managerial turnover as a form of organizational adaptation.
Undulation and anomaly estimation using Geos-3 altimeter data without precise satellite orbits

The paper describes results obtained from the processing of 53 Geos-3 arcs of altimeter data obtained during the first weeks after the launch of the satellite in April, 1975. The measurement from the satellite to the ocean surface was used to obtain an approximate geoid undulation which was contaminated by long wavelength errors caused primarily by altimeter bias and orbit error. This long wavelength error was reduced by fitting with a low degree polynomial the raw undulation data to the undulations implied by the GEM 7 potential coefficients, in an adjustment process that included conditions on tracks that cross. The root mean square crossover discrepancy before this adjustment was ±12.4 meters while after the adjustment it was ±0.9 m. These adjusted undulations were used to construct a geoid map in the Geos-3 calibration area using a least squares filter to remove remaining noise in the undulations. Comparing these undulations to ones computed from potential coefficients and terrestrial gravity data indicates a mean difference of 0.25 m and a root mean square difference of ±1.92 m.
Stimulus parameter effects on the P50 evoked response.

Recently, there has been a surge in interest in studying the midlatency auditory evoked responses (MLAERs) in psychiatric populations. The P50 component of the MLAERs received special attention, as it was shown not to be affected by attentional factors (Jerger et al 1992). An inherent limitation of recording the MLAERs is their tendency to decrease in amplitude with fast rates of repetition. Buchwald et al (1991) showed that the P50 amplitude decreases when the stimuli were presented at rates of 5 and 10/sec as compared with l/sec. They did not study the effects of slower rates of stimulation. This decreased amplitude has been postulated to be secondary to a slow recovery cycle of the neuronal aggregates subserving the P50 response (Eccles 1969). To avoid this confounding factor, researchers need a standard 10-sec interval between stimuli, to assure full neuronal recovery prior to repeating stimulation (Barker et al 1987; Boutros et al !991a). As is customary in evoked potential research, many responses need to be averaged together. The required number of single trials needed to produce a good tracing varied between 30 trials (Nagamoto et al 1989), requiring only 5 min of recording, to up to 120 trials (Boutros et al 1991b), requiring 20 min
Paleovegetational Reconstruction Based on Modern and Fossil Pollen Data: An Application of Discriminant Analysis

Abstract This paper introduces the use of discriminant analysis as an aid in paleovegetational reconstruction based on modern and fossil pollen data. We derived a set of discriminant functions that correctly classifies 95 percent of 121 surface samples collected from different vegetation regions in northeastern North America. These functions were then applied to the pollen-stratigraphic data from Jack Lake to reconstruct the postglacial vegetational history of northern Ontario. The discriminant analysis results are summarized in two indices. A “vegetation zonal index'’directly translates each fossil pollen spectrum into its modern vegetational analogue. Paleovegetation types without modern analogue could be easily detected by computing the “probability of modern analogue.'’These results indicate explicitly that the early spruce-dominated boreal forest around Jack Lake does not have a modern analogue and that the boreal forest/Great Lakes—St. Lawrence Forest ecotone advanced far north of Jack Lake during t...
Impact of Main and Splitter Blade Leading Edge Contour on the Performance of High Pressure Ratio Centrifugal Compressors

The impact of leading edge sweep in an attempt to reduce shock losses and extend the stall margin on axial compressors has been extensively studied, however only a few studies have looked at understanding the impact of leading edge contouring on the performance of centrifugal compressors. The present work studies the impact of forward and aft sweep on the main and splitter blade leading edge of a generic high flow coefficient and high pressure ratio centrifugal compressor design and the impact on its overall peak efficiency, pressure ratio and operating range. The usage of aft sweep on the main blade led to an increase of the pressure ratio and efficiency, however it also led to a reduction of the stable operating range of the impeller analyzed. The forward sweep cases analyzed where the tip leading edge was displaced axially forward showed a slight increase in pressure ratio, and a significant increase on operating range. The impact of leading edge sweep on the sensitivity of the impeller performance to tip clearance was also studied. The impeller efficiency was found to be less sensitive to an increase of tip clearance for both aft and forward sweep cases studied. The forward sweep cases studied also showed a reduced sensitivity from operating range to tip clearance.The studies conducted on the splitter leading edge profile indicate that aft sweep may help to increase the operating range of the impeller analyzed by up to 16% while maintaining similar pressure ratio and efficiency characteristics of the impeller. The improvement of operating range obtained with the leading edge forward sweep and splitter aft sweep was caused by a reduction of the interaction of the tip vortex of the main blade with the splitter tip, and a reduction of the blockage caused by this interaction.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Strength of the NH···OC and CH···OC Bonds in Formamide and N-Methylacetamide Dimers

The structures of the dimers of formamide and N-methylacetamide have been calculated at the ab initio electronic structure theory level, 2nd order Miller-Plesset perturbation theory (MP2) with augmented correlation consistent basis sets. Five unique structures were optimized for the formamide dimers at the MP2/aug-cc-pVDZ and MP2/aug-cc-pVTZ levels. At the optimized geometries obtained with the aug-cc-pVTZ basis set, MP2 energies were evaluated with the aug-cc-pVQZ basis set allowing an extrapolation of the energies to the complete basis set limit. Four structures were found for the N-methylacetamide dimer at the MP2/aug-cc-pVDZ level and single point energies were calculated at the MP2/aug-cc-pVTZ level. In both systems, the basis set superposition error (BSSE) was estimated with the counterpoise method. The strength of the N-HiiiO=C bond has a mean value of 7.1 kcal/mol in the formamide dimers and a mean value of 8.6 kcal/mol in the N-methylacetamide dimers. The difference in hydrogen bond strengths is attributed to differences in basicity at the carbonyl oxygen receptor site. In several dimers C-HiiiO=C hydrogen bonds play an important role in stabilizing these intermolecular complexes increasing the interaction energy by 1.1 to 2.6 kcal/mol per interaction.
The basic materials of masking

Summary Tomorrow will bring new masking materials, products, and applications. The finishing industry will become increasingly sophisticated, and the trend of buying from masking sources that provide the best combination of quality, delivery, technological expertise, tooling support, customization capability, price, and customer service will continue.
Simple approach to microcomputer-controlled Electrochemistry

Abstract A simple control and data-acquisition system for electrochemical experiments is described. The system is easily interfaced to most potentiostats; a voltage waveform is supplied and data are collected, processed and stored on disk for later use. This implementation is particularly useful for linear-scan and stepped-potential electrochemical experiments. The experimeter can program an experiment as well as apply specialized data treatments to collected information. Some examples of stepped-potential experiments on a chemically-modified electrode are presented.
A graded, evidence-based summary of evidence for bariatric surgery.

c b c f b c c s o t o a c b b y m R v p t W t i w c g p t i w An estimated 27% of the U.S. population is obese, and an dditional 34% is overweight. The prevalence of morbid besity in the U.S. population increased from 2.9% from the arly 1990s to 4.7% by 2000. In 1999-2000, 33% of men nd 39% of women age 65 to 74, and 20% of men and 25% f women over age 74, were obese. Overweight and obese ersons have an increased risk of numerous diseases comared with persons with normal weight and waist circumerence; some of the most important comorbidities include ypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, coroary heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, osteoarthriis, sleep apnea, respiratory problems, and endometrial, reast, prostate, and colon cancers. The relative lack of uccess of most weight loss programs has induced persons ith morbid obesity to turn to bariatric surgery at an expoentially increasing rate, rising from approximately /100,000 in the 1980s and early 1990s to an estimated 0/100,000 in 2003. Successful bariatric surgical proceures produce weight loss by restricting intake of food, by ontrolled malabsorption of food, or a combination of these echanisms. At present, the more common and well-known estrictive procedures are vertical-banded gastroplasty VBG) and laparoscopic adjustable silicone gastric banding LAGB). The most common malabsorptive procedure is a oux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), which has a restrictive omponent, followed by the much less common biliopan-
Composition of Basalts from the Mid-Atlantic Ridge

Studies of volcanic rocks in dredge hauls from the submerged parts of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge suggest that it consists largely of tholeiitic basalt with low values of K, Ti, and P. In contrast, the volcanic islands which form the elevated caps on the Ridge are built of alkali basalt with high values of Ti, Fe 3+ , P, Na, and K. This distinct correlation between the form of the volcanic structures, elevation above the sea floor, and composition suggests that the islands of alkali basalt are derived from a parent tholeiitic magma by differentiation in shallow reservoirs. The volume of low-potassium tholeiites along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and elsewhere in the oceans appears to be many times that of the alkali basalts exposed on oceanic islands. Tholeiitic basalts with about 0.2 K 2 O appear to be the primary and predominant magma erupted on the oceanic floor.
Growth Inhibition of BALB/c Mouse Keratinocytes by TGF-β1 and CeReS-18 Appears to Act through Distinct Mechanisms

Abstract Cell growth is controlled by the complex interactions of both positive and negative growth modulators. Studies were performed to directly compare the growth inhibitory properties of TGF-β1 and CeReS-18, a novel cell surface sialoglycopeptide growth inhibitor. Growth inhibition by CeReS-18 and that by TGF-β1 shared some similarities although significant differences were apparent. Similarities included a dose-responsive inhibition of BALB/c mouse keratinocyte (MK) cell proliferation that could be nontoxic and reversible. Both CeReS-18 and TGF-β1 could equally inhibit the stimulation of DNA synthesis induced by serum or keratinocyte growth factor in MK cells, and in both cases the inhibition was not due to decreased KGF binding to the target cell surface receptor. Inhibition of cell proliferation with CeReS-18, followed by an immediate reincubation with either CeReS-18 or TGF-β1, suggested that the sites of arrest mediated by both inhibitors were similar but not necessarily identical. However, recovery from CeReS-18-induced growth inhibition could be achieved by either removing the CeReS-18 or adding calcium directly to CeReS-18-inhibited MK cells, while recovery from TGF-β1-induced growth arrest could be reversed only by TGF-β1 removal. In addition, the sensitivity of MK cells to CeReS-18-induced cell cycle arrest could be altered by changing the extracellular calcium concentration, but sensitivity to TGF-β1 was unaffected by the calcium environment of the MK cells. While recovery from cell cycle arrest was rapid and complete with MK cell cultures inhibited with CeReS-18, removal of TGF-β1 led to a slower and incomplete recovery of cell cycling.
A Numerical Model for the Mist Dynamics and Heat Transfer at Various Ambient Pressures

A numerical model is developed to simulate the dynamics of the droplet-wall interaction and heat transfer mechanisms at sub-atmospheric to elevated ambient pressures, and for surface temperatures ranging from nucleate to film boiling. This is the first time a general model is developed to study these phenomena over a wide range of ambient pressures. The model provides insight to the optimal flow conditions, and droplet size distribution for best heat transfer enhancement. Simulations are provided for single stream droplet impactions, and for full conical sprays using nozzles that dispense a spectrum of nonuniform droplets
Nasal conformer to restore facial contour

Surgical removal of the nose may have devastating psychologic effects on the patient. This article describes the fabrication and use of a nasal conformer to restore facial contour until a definitive nasal prosthesis can be made.
Thermodynamic studies of the insertion and folding of membrane proteins: yeast cytochrome c oxidase

Abstract Yeast cytochrome c oxidase is a multisubunit protein located in the inner mitochondrial membrane where it serves as the final intermediary in the respiratory chain and as a proton pump. The three largest subunits are synthesized within the mitochondria and the remaining six subunits are encoded by the nuclear genome and then imported to the inner mitochondrial membrane from the cytoplasm. The exact mechanism of assembly and stabilization of this protein complex is only beginning to be elucidated. In order to investigate the stabilizing interactions within the enzyme complex and the mode of association between subunits we have performed structural stability and thermodynamic perturbation experiments using different biophysical techniques including high sensitivity differential scanning calorimetry and differential solubility thermal gel analysis. These studies have suggested the existence of hierarchical layers of interactions between subunits that define three important cooperative structures. The major components of these structures in the yeast enzyme appear to be: a) subunits I and II; b) subunit III; and, c) the imported subunits IV and VI. In order to confirm these assignments and study directly the assembly of the protein complex, subunit dissociation experiments under controlled conditions have been performed.
Prevalence of Parental Smoking and Predictors of Cessation A Study in the South Carolina Pediatric Practice Research Network

Background. Secondhand smoke exposure harms children. The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence of secondhand smoke exposure in children ≤2 years and determine the predictors of smoking and smoking cessation in parents. Methods. We surveyed parents of children ≤2 years of age, asking about parental smoking patterns, interest in quitting and children’s respiratory symptoms. Data were analyzed with chi-square and multiple logistic regression. Results. Thirteen percent were current smokers and 18% had quit. The most common reason for quitting was being pregnant (42%). Children’s respiratory symptoms did not predict quitting. Parents on Medicaid were more likely to smoke than those on private insurance (OR = 5.7, 95% CI = 2.0-16.5) and less likely to quit (OR = 0.2, 95% CI = 0.1-0.9). Conclusion. Having a new baby may be a motivator for parents to quit. We must address socioeconomic factors to develop a successful intervention in pediatric practices.
Logistic approximation to the normal : The KL rationale

A rationale is proposed for approximating the normal distribution with a logistic distribution using a scaling constant based on minimizing the Kullback-Leibler (KL) information, that is, the expected amount of information available in a sample to distinguish between two competing distributions using a likelihood ratio (LR) test, assuming one of them is true. The new constant 1.749, computed assuming the normal distribution is true, yields an approximation that is an improvement in fit of the tails of the distribution as compared to the minimax constant of 1.702, widely used in item response theory (IRT). The minimax constant is by definition marginally better in its overall maximal error. It is argued that the KL constant is more statistically appropriate for use in IRT.
On Nested Chain Decompositions of Normalized Matching Posets of Rank 3

In 1975, J. Griggs conjectured that a normalized matching rank-unimodal poset possesses a nested chain decomposition. This elegant conjecture remains open even for posets of rank 3. Recently, Hsu, Logan, and Shahriari have made progress by developing techniques that produce nested chain decompositions for posets with certain rank numbers. As a demonstration of their methods, they prove that the conjecture is true for all rank 3 posets of width at most 7. In this paper, we present new general techniques for creating nested chain decompositions, and, as a corollary, we demonstrate the validity of the conjecture for all rank 3 posets of width at most 11.
Some remarks on measurement errors and the identification of panel data models

We demonstrate that despite the common worry about the possible correlations between the unobserved individual effects and the explanatory variables in panel data models the likelihood approach can provide a unified framework towards the study of the identification of a panel data model subject to measurement errors. In fact, it can also serve as a basis for deriving efficient estimation methods.
Unusual One-Dimensional Ladder Structures Containing Divalent Europium and the Tetracyanometalates Ni(CN)42- and Pt(CN)42-

The heterobimetallic one-dimensional arrays {(DMF)4EuNi(CN)4}∞ and {(DMF)4EuPt(CN)4}∞ were prepared from the metathesis of (NH3)xEuCl2 with K2Ni(CN)4 and K2Pt(CN)4, respectively, in DMF. The analogous reaction between (NH3)xYbCl2 and K2Ni(CN)4 in DMF or DMA resulted in oxidation of Yb2+ and reduction of Ni(CN)42- to give the previously reported dinuclear Ni(I) anion Ni2(CN)64-. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that {(DMF)4EuNi(CN)4}∞ and {(DMF)4EuPt(CN)4}∞ form isostructural one-dimensional “ladder” arrays through isocyanide linkages (Eu−NC−M). Crystal data for {(DMF)4EuNi(CN)4}∞: triclinic space group P1, a = 8.902(2) A, b = 10.947(2) A, c = 12.464(4)A, α = 82.99(2)o, β = 86.86(2)°, γ = 84.92(2)°, Z = 2. Crystal data for {(DMF)4EuPt(CN)4}∞: triclinic space group P1, a = 8.918(1) A, b = 11.160(2) A, c = 12.480(2) A, α = 83.27(2)°, β = 86.84(1)°, γ = 83.71(2)°, Z = 2. Electrical conductance measurements and infrared spectra of DMF solutions of these one-dimensional arrays revealed tha...
Inducible nitric oxide synthase: From cloning to therapeutic applications

Elucidation of the many roles of nitric oxide (NO) in homeostasis and disease states has uncovered many areas where manipulation of NO production would be of therapeutic benefit. Recent advances in gene transfer technology and the cloning of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene have led to the development of strategies for gene therapy to increase NO production for the treatment of disorders ranging from vascular restenosis to impaired wound healing. This review summarizes the current status of iNOS gene therapy research.
Heat shock protein 90 inhibition: rationale and clinical potential

Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) is a molecular chaperone protein essential for cellular survival. Functionally, HSPs promote proper protein folding, prevent misfolding, and restore three-dimensional protein structure which is critical following toxic cellular stresses. Recently, targeting HSP90 pharmacologically has gained traction in cancer therapy. Oncogenic cells depend on their ability to withstand endogenous (anoxia, nutrient deprivation, pH changes, and deranged signaling pathways) and exogenous (chemotherapy and radiation therapy) stressors for survival. Pharmacological inhibition of HSP90 destabilizes proteins and leads to degradation through the proteasome. This article will review the utility of HSP90 inhibition, as well as the current adoption in clinical trials and practice.
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Performed After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy is Accurate in Patients with Documented Node-Positive Breast Cancer at Presentation

Background The optimal strategy for incorporating lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymph node biopsy into the management of breast cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy remains controversial. Previous studies of sentinel node biopsy performed following neoadjuvant chemotherapy have largely reported on patients whose prechemotherapy, pathologic axillary nodal status was unknown. We report findings using a novel comprehensive approach to axillary management of node-positive-patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Osmotic Stress Alters the Intracellular Distribution of Non-erythroidal Spectrin (Fodrin) in Bovine Aortic Endothelial Cells

Abstract Cell swelling is known to result in unfolding of membrane invaginations and restructuring of F-actin. The effect of cell swelling on the intracellular distributions of other cytoskeletal proteins that constitute the submembrane cortical cytoskeleton is virtually unknown. This study focuses on the effects of cell swelling on non-erythroidal spectrin (fodrin, also known as spectrin II), a predominant component of the membrane cytoskeleton. The intracellular distribution of spectrin in vascular endothelial cells was studied by optical sectioning using a 3-D deconvolution microscopy system. Our results show that once bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) reach confluency, the non-erythroidal spectrin is localized in the submembrane regions of the cells. Analysis of the intensity profiles of the non-erythroidal spectrin under isotonic and hypotonic conditions show that: (a) the width of the submembrane spectrin staining increases gradually with time within the first 5 minutes after the osmotic shock; (b) significant recovery is observed after 10 minutes even if the cells are maintained in hypotonic medium, and (c) spectrin distribution is altered by disrupting F-actin with latrunculin A but not by stabilizing F-actin with jasplakinolide. We suggest that cell swelling results in partial translocation of the submembrane spectrin to the cytosol and that it may play a major role in initiation of swelling-induced cellular events.
Review and comparison of system reliability optimization algorithms considering reliability estimation uncertainty

System reliability optimization involves the selection of components and a system architecture to maximize reliability. Most existing studies assume that the reliability values of the components are deterministic, and known with certainty. However, in practice the reliability of the component is just a point estimate, and therefore, there is some uncertainties associated with it. In this paper, we review and critique the available different methodologies for system reliability optimization which explicitly considers uncertainty. One approach is defining a lower percentile of system reliability distribution and using this lower-bound limit as the objective function to be maximized. Another approach is formulating the problem as a multi-objective optimization problem, i.e., maximizing the reliability estimate and minimizing the associated variance. Finally, we will review a new approach where the objective function is to minimize the coefficient of variation of the system reliability estimate with respect to a minimum system reliability constraint and other system level constraints
Single‐port transvesical enucleation of the prostate: a clinical report of 34 cases

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4 OBJECTIVE To present our experience with single-port transvesical enucleation of the prostate (STEP) in 34 patients with large-volume benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). PATIENTS AND METHODS We performed STEP in 34 patients with large volume (>60 g) BPH (mean age 69 years, body mass index 26 kg/m2, and American Society of Anesthesiology class 2). The mean prostate volume estimated by transrectal ultrasonography was 102.5 mL and the mean baseline prostate-specific antigen level was 6.7 ng/mL. A novel single-port device was inserted percutaneously into the bladder through a 2–3 cm incision in the suprapubic skin crease. After establishing pneumovesicum, the prostate adenoma was enucleated transvesically using standard laparoscopic instruments, and the adenoma was extracted in pieces through the port. Digital assistance expedited enucleation of the apical adenoma in 19 (55%) cases. RESULTS Transvesical enucleation was completed in all 34 cases; the mean operative duration was 116 min, and the estimated blood loss was 460 mL. There was one death from postoperative bleeding from uncontrolled coagulopathy in a Jehovah’s Witness who refused a transfusion of blood and blood products. There were three complications during STEP (one death, one bowel injury and one haemorrhage) and five afterwards (four bleeding, one epididymo-orchitis). Open conversion was necessary in two patients for complications, and extension of the skin incision by 1–2 cm was necessary in two to expedite apical digital enucleation. The mean hospital stay was 3 days and mean analogue pain score at discharge was 2. All 33 patients (excluding the patient who died) were voiding spontaneously at a maximum follow-up of 8 months, with a mean American Urologic Association symptom score of 3, a maximum urinary flow rate of 44 mL/s, and a postvoid residual of 30 mL at the latest follow-up. No patient developed urinary incontinence. CONCLUSIONS STEP is an effective treatment option for selected patients with large-volume obstructive BPH. Under pneumovesicum using laparoscopic visualization, the entire adenoma can be effectively enucleated and expeditiously extracted through the novel single port. Comparison of the STEP procedure with other open and transurethral techniques will determine its place in the surgical treatment of large-volume BPH.
Networks of Caring: A Qualitative Study of Social Support in Consumer-run Mental Health Agencies

This article examines consumer-run agency participation by adults with psychiatric disabilities. Using qualitative data from 10 intensive interviews, the purpose was to explore personal meanings at...
Flame-propagation rates in ammonia-air combustion at high pressure

The reluctance of ammonia to be ignited easily and the necessity to advance the spark for optimum performance in combustion engines led to this investigation. Ionization gap techniques showed that long induction times and slow flame speed were both contributors to the observed phenomena. The most important factor in determining combustion characteristics of ammonia was found to be the extent of predissociation prior to attempted ignition. There was evidence from combustion gas analysis that NO+ was the probable most abundant ion contributing to succesful application of the ionization gap techniques, and that the NO+ was probably produced in the pyrolysis of ammonia rather than by equilibrium reactions.
Pre-Service Teachers Critically Evaluate Scientific Information on the World Wide Web

Abstract The present study addresses the need for teachers to critically evaluate the credibility, validity, and cognitive load associated with scientific information on Web sites, in order to effectively teach students to evaluate scientific information on the World Wide Web. A line of prior research investigating high school and university students' credibility judgments is presented. The authors then describe an instructional intervention in which pre-service teachers develop structured evaluation forms for their students' critical evaluation of scientific information on the Web and for teachers' determinations of cognitive load associated with Web materials to be used with students. Pre-service teachers' determinations of factors associated with cognitive load include several factors not previously described in other research. Finally, the authors provide recommendations for effective instruction in critical Web information evaluation for educators and students in this important aspect of critical sci...
Lying as a problem behavior in children: A review

Abstract Of all concealing behaviors, lying is probably one of the earliest to develop in childhood. It is also one of the least understood behaviors in terms of its prevalence, nosology, continuity over time, and relationship to other problem behaviors, especially delinquency. This paper presents a review of empirical studies on lying by children in the natural environment rather than in experimental situations. Studies are discussed that illustrate how widespread lying is in children between the ages of 4 and 18, and how adults judge this behavior in terms of seriousness. The relationships between lying and conduct problems and delinquency are pointed out in cross-sectional studies. Longitudinal studies indicate how well early lying predicts delinquency and other forms of maladjustment in adulthood. Conditions that either facilitate or inhibit children's lying are discussed. The findings are interpreted from a developmental point of view. The few available treatment studies are reviewed, and recommendations for improved interventions and prevention are formulated, together with directions for further investigations.
Examining the knowing–doing gap in the conservation of a fire-dependent ecosystem

Abstract Scientifically informed conservation goals do not always align with what is accomplished in practice, leading to the so-called “knowing–doing gap”. One reason why the knowing–doing gap exists may be that scientific recommendations often do not account for the “real-world” social context of conservation. The social context may be particularly important for ecosystem restoration involving prescribed burning. In the longleaf pine ecosystem, scientists and conservationists have called for large-scale restoration using prescribed burning; however, recent levels of burning may be insufficient to accomplish restoration. We studied the knowing–doing gap in the longleaf pine ecosystem by investigating where recent burns had been conducted. We used spatio-temporal logistic regression to relate recent burning in the Onslow Bight, North Carolina, to site and landscape attributes that burn practitioners there had previously said were important. Our results show that prescribed burns were preferentially placed on high-quality sites rather than on degraded sites, suggesting a knowing–doing gap in longleaf pine conservation in which burning is not used for restoration. In addition, sites that had not been burned for at least 4 years showed an increased probability of burning as distance from development increased, suggesting that sites with high fuel loads near development were not likely to be burned. Finding ways to encourage burning on degraded sites near development, such as rewarding practitioners for successfully conducting difficult burns, would help narrow the knowing–doing gap in conservation of this and other fire-dependent ecosystems.
A low-cost quad-band single-chip GSM/GPRS radio in 90nm digital CMOS

In this paper we present a quad-band single-chip GSM/GPRS radio in 90nm digital CMOS process based on the Digital RF Processor (DRP™) technology. This chip integrates all functions from physical layer to the protocol stack and peripheral support in a single chip RF SoC. The transmitter uses a low-area small-signal digital polar architecture merging amplitude and phase information directly in an RF DAC. The receiver is based on direct RF sampling and discrete-time analog signal processing. A dedicated internal microprocessor manages the digital RF controls to provide best achievable RF performances. The transceiver exceeds all 3GPP specifications demonstrating a receive NF of 1.8 dB and a margin of 8dB on TX spectral mask at 400 KHz offset in GSM850/900 bands. The transceiver is best-in-class in area and occupies only 3.8 mm2 of silicon area.