cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Subelliptic $\mathrm{Spin}_{\mathbb{C}}$ Dirac operators, I

Let X be a compact Kahler manifold with strictly pseudoconvex bound- ary, Y. In this setting, the SpinC Dirac operator is canonically identified with ¯ ∂ + ¯ ∂ ∗ : C ∞ (X ;Λ 0,e ) →C ∞ (X ;Λ 0,o ). We consider modifications of the classi- cal ¯ ∂-Neumann conditions that define Fredholm problems for the SpinC Dirac operator. In Part 2, (7), we use boundary layer methods to obtain subelliptic estimates for these boundary value problems. Using these results, we obtain an expression for the finite part of the holomorphic Euler characteristic of a strictly pseudoconvex manifold as the index of a SpinC Dirac operator with a subellip- tic boundary condition. We also prove an analogue of the Agranovich-Dynin formula expressing the change in the index in terms of a relative index on the boundary. If X is a complex manifold partitioned by a strictly pseudoconvex hypersurface, then we obtain formulae for the holomorphic Euler characteristic of X as sums of indices of SpinC Dirac operators on the components. This is a subelliptic analogue of Bojarski's formula in the elliptic case.
Physiological Model for Distribution of Sulfathiazole in Swine

A physiological flow model was developed for the distribution of sulfathiazole residues in various tissues in swine. The approach was compartmental, in which the compartments and equilibrium constants had physiological meaning. Differential equations were developed, and appropriate parameter values and initial conditions were substituted and solved by a fourth-order Runga-Kutta technique. Simulation values corresponded with the experimentally determined concentration values in plasma and kidney, liver, muscle, fat, and heart tissues.
Effect of Lateral Substitution on the Electronics and Phase Transitions of Stilbazoles, Benzoic Acids, Phenols, and Hydrogen Bonded Mixtures

The preparation and characterization of laterally substituted 4-alkoxy-stilbazoles, 4-alkoxy-benzoic acids, and 4-alkoxy phenols and hydrogen bonded heterodimeric mixtures of these compounds are reported. Lateral substitution has a minimal effect on the ring electronics of 4-alkoxy benzoic acids and 4-alkoxy phenols; however the ring electronics of stilbazole units is extremely sensitive to lateral substitution. While lateral substitution is an effective technique for lowering the melting points of both hydrogen bonded complexes and their individual components, its effect on the electronics of stilbazoles and steric disruption of both intermolecular hydrogen bonding and molecular packing in the solid state disrupts the formation of liquid crystalline phases in both the individual components and hydrogen bonded complexes.
Comparison of Gridded Multisatellite Rainfall Estimates with Gridded Gauge Rainfall over West Africa

Abstract Two monthly gridded precipitation datasets of the Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP; the multisatellite product) and the Global Precipitation Climatology Centre (GPCC) Variability Analysis of Surface Climate Observations (VASClimO; rain gauge data) are compared for a 22-yr period, from January 1979 to December 2000, over land areas (i.e., latitudes 4°–20°N and longitudes 18°W–15°E). The two datasets are consistent with respect to the spatial distribution of the annual and seasonal rainfall climatology over the domain and along latitudinal bands. However, the satellite generally overestimates rainfall. The inability of the GPCC data to capture the bimodal rainfall pattern along the Guinea coast (i.e., south of latitude 8°N) is an artifact of the interpolation of the rain gauge data. For interannual variability, the gridded multisatellite and gridded gauge datasets agree on the sign of the anomaly 15 out of the 22 yr (68% of the time) for region 1 (between longitude 5° and 18°W and nor...
Phylogenetic significance of the morphology of the cuticular scales of the lynx spiders (Araneae: Oxyopidae)

In spiders, cuticular scales are flattened, hollow setae that occur in a variety of shapes and colours. Using transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, we examine and provide descriptions of the external and internal anatomy of prosomal and opisthosomal scales of 70 species of lynx spiders (Araneae, Oxyopidae), representing the genera Hamataliwa, Hostus, Oxyopes, Peucetia, Schaenicoscelis, Tapinillus, and Tapponia. The cuticular scales of these taxa exhibit regional (with respect to location on the body), sexual, inter- and intrageneric variation in external and internal morphology. In the genera, Peucetia, Schaenicoscelis, and Tapinillus, cuticular scales are plumose and only occur on the prosoma. Species of the genera Hamataliwa and Tapponia, have lanceolate scales that occur on the prosoma, legs, and opisthosoma. Hostus has spatulate scales in these areas. In the genus Oxyopes, most species have lanceolate scales on the prosoma and spatulate scales on the legs and opisthosoma. Examinations of the genitalia of 82 species of lynx spiders, revealed a strong correlation between genitalic morphology and scale shape and distribution.
Variation in the senescence of carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) cultivars. II. Comparison of sensitivity to exogenous ethylene and of ethylene binding

Wu, M.J., Zacarias, L. and Reid. M.S., 1991. Variation in the senescence of carnation (Dianthus cao,ophyllus L.) cultivars. II. Comparison of sensitivity to exogenous ethylene and of ethylene binding. Scientia Hortic., 48:109-116. Flowers of the 'Sandra' and "Chinera" cultivars of carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L. ) last about twice as long ( 14 days) as those of'White Sim' cultivar (7 days). Application of C2H4 shortened the vase life of all three cultivars. "Chinera' flowers were the least sensitive to C2H4, and "~;~ndra' flowers were more than i 0 times as sensitive. Although 'Sandra" flowers normally produce :cry little Call4, C2H4 treatment induced a climacteric in C2H4 production by this cultivar~ The differences in C2H4 sensitivity could only partly be explained by differences in ethylene-binding activity (number of binding sites and Kd ) in petal tissues from lhe different cultivars.
Coping with Unplanned Childhood Hospitalization: The Mediating Functions of Parental Beliefs

Examined the processes by which two types of informational interventions (child behavioral information and parental role information) exerted effects on the coping outcomes of 108 mothers whose young children experienced unplanned hospitalization. Driven by a strong theoretical framework comprising self-regulation theory and control theory, this study's findings revealed that the effects of the experimental interventions were mediated by parental beliefs about their children's likely behavioral changes and their parental role during hospitalization. Thus, progress was made in beginning to understand how informational interventions actually enhance parent coping with childhood hospitalization.
The So-called Short-Fiber Controversy: Literature Review and Critical Analysis.

Context.— Numerous articles in the scientific literature indicate that pathogenic fibers with respect to asbestos-related diseases are those that exceed 5 μm in length. Nonetheless, some authors have expressed concerns regarding pathogenicity of shorter fibers. Objective.— To review the scientific evidence regarding pathogenicity (or lack thereof) of fibers less than or equal to 5 μm in length, with particular attention to publications indicating that such fibers might be hazardous. Data Sources.— The scientific literature was reviewed for experimental animal studies and human studies that address the role of fiber size in causation of disease. Sources included original studies, as well as review articles related to the topic. Conclusions.— Experimental animal studies involving inhalation of fibers have demonstrated that fibers greater than 5 μm in length are associated with both pulmonary fibrosis (ie, asbestosis) and malignancies (carcinoma of the lung and mesothelioma). There is no convincing evidence ...
Preventing Chronic Disease: An Important Investment, But Don’t Count On Cost Savings

Over the four decades since cost-effectiveness analysis was first applied to health and medicine, hundreds of studies have shown that prevention usually adds to medical costs instead of reducing them. Medications for hypertension and elevated cholesterol, diet and exercise to prevent diabetes, and screening and early treatment for cancer all add more to medical costs than they save. Careful choices about frequency, groups to target, and component costs can increase the likelihood that interventions will be highly cost-effective or even cost-saving.
From 32 ounces to zero: a medical geographic study of dispensing a cultivated batch of "plum" cannabis flowers to medical marijuana patients in Washington State

Abstract The medicinal use of cannabis is a growing phenomenon in the U.S. predicated on the success of overcoming specific spatial challenges and establishing particular human-environment relationships. This article takes a medical geographic “snapshot” of an urban site in Washington State where qualifying chronically ill and debilitated patients are delivered locally produced botanical cannabis for medical use. Using interview, survey, and observation, this medical geographic research project collected information on the social space of the particular delivery site and tracked the production cost, reach, and health value of a 32-ounce batch of strain-specific medical cannabis named “Plum” dispensed over a four-day period. A convenience sample of 37 qualifying patients delivered this batch of cannabis botanical medicine was recruited and prospectively studied with survey instruments. Results provide insight into patients' self-rated health, human-plant relationships, and travel-to-clinic distances. An ov...
Flowerdew Hundred: The Archaeology of a Virginia Plantation, 1619-1864

This is the story of Flowerdew Hundred, the plantation Sir George Yeardley established on the south side of the James River. The archaeological records of the site, in the form of broken dishes, bones, building remains and other materials, are used to reconstruct 250 years of life at Flowerdew.
Effects of Interaction-Display Offset on User Performance in Surround Screen Virtual Environments

We present a study exploring the effect of positional offset between the user's interaction and display frame-of-reference in a surround-screen virtual environment (SSVE). In our experiment, users were asked to match a target color using a 3D color widget under three different display-interaction offset conditions: no offset (i.e., collocation), a three inch offset, and a two foot offset. Our results suggest that collocation of the display and interaction frames-of-reference may degrade accuracy in widget-based tasks and that collocation does not necessarily lead the user to spend more time on the task
Robust control of nonlinear uncertain systems: a feedback linearization approach

The problem of stabilization of a class of nonlinear systems with time-varying uncertain parameters is considered. The uncertainty is unknown but lies within a prescribed set. The nominal system is assumed to be feedback-equivalent to a controllable-like canonical form. A Lyapunov function based robust controller is incorporated with a feedback linearization technique to guarantee practical stability. >
MiRNA‐9 and MiRNA‐200a Distinguish Hemangioblastomas from Metastatic Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinomas in the CNS

Central nervous system (CNS) tumors in von Hippel-Lindau syndrome (VHL) include hemangioblastomas and metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinomas (Met CCRCC). While these tumors often show similar histologic features, differentiating them is of significant importance as Met CCRCC are higher-grade tumors with worse prognosis. No single current immunohistochemical marker unequivocally differentiates between these two entities. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are noncoding cellular small RNA molecules that play an important role in cancer. We hypothesized that hemangioblastomas and Met CCRCC display distinct miRNA signatures enabling their histologic differentiation. MiRNAs were profiled in 10 cases each of hemangioblastomas, Met CCRCC and primary CCRCC. Ten miRNAs had greater abundance (including miR-9 (∼10-fold) and miR-135a (∼7-fold)) and 39 miRNAs were lower [including miR-200a (∼22-fold) and miR-200b (∼12-fold)] in hemangioblastomas compared with Met CCRCC. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR in 20 hemangioblastomas and 13 Met CCRCC showed a 12-fold increase in miR-9 and a 15-fold decrease of miR-200a in hemangioblastomas compared with Met CCRCC. Finally, in situ hybridization for miR-9 in 15 hemangioblastomas and 10 Met CCRCC confirmed these results. Our data suggest that miR-9 and miR-200a can distinguish between hemangioblastomas and Met CCRCC. Further, these results may also provide insight in understanding the biology of hemangioblastomas.
Dispersion and Field Analysis of a Microstrip Meander Line Slow-Wave Structure

A structure which is important as an example of a spatially periodic medium for microwave propagation is analyzed theoretically, with rigorous consideration of its partial dielectric composition, symmetry properties; and field configuration relating to its use for electron-wave interaction in a crossed-field amplifier (CFA). The analysis is carried out in a quasi-TEM approximation, leading to determination of a complex potential function within the unit cell and the associated normal-mode parameters: effective dielectric constant, phase velocity, and characteristic impedance, as functions of phase per cell and mode symmetry. With imposition of meander-line boundary conditions, solutions of the characteristic equation for the dispersion law of the structure are computed, including the influence of the inhomogeneous dielectric-vacuum construction of microstrip. Agreement with the observed phase and stopband features of a representative structure is very good. Power distribution and group velocity are calculated, and an interaction impedance, representing the coupling between the RF field and an electron beam for estimation of CFA performance is also calculated. The method lends itself to detailed computations, including the effects of structural features of practical slow-wave circuits.
Long-Term Study of Microwave Propagation Over Changing Ground and Snow Cover

A year-round experiment with a bistatic microwave (10.5-GHz) radar has documented environmental effects on microwave propagation on both daily and seasonal time scales. The continuously monitored automatic gain control (AGC) of the receiver provides a long-term record of relative changes in the microwave field due to such factors as characteristics of the snow cover, soil moisture, frozen/thawed state of the soil, and vegetation type and height.
REENTRY COURTS: PROVIDING A SECOND CHANCE FOR INCARCERATED MOTHERS AND THEIR CHILDREN

Each year many incarcerated mothers are released from prison and must endure the difficult process of prisoner reentry. The rate of recidivism remains significantly high among this transitioning population, which negatively affects many children. The traditional parole system has not adequately addressed the complexities of a mother-prisoner's reentry and reunification with her child. This Note proposes that states should expand or adopt the use of problem solving parole courts, or “Reentry Courts” to support a mother and her child through the transition from prison to home. Reentry Courts provide a multi-agency coordinated solution, which utilizes judicial authority for women seeking to transform their lives and reunify with their children upon their release from prison.
Alternating perceptions of ambiguous scenes: what's out there?

When visualizing an ambiguous scene (such as the Necker cube) one may perceive ongoing random alternations between the possible interpretations. Dynamical models implement competition as reciprocal inhibition between neuronal populations; dominance alternates while slow negative feedback, adaptation, sets the basic time scale (seconds) for switching. When adaptation is strong enough it overcomes dominance and alternations occur intrinsically and periodically; noise perturbs the regularity. In a different framework, with attractor-based dynamics, adaptation is weak and switches are induced by noise operating on a bistable system. We find that statistics of the observed alternations provide constraints that favor an operating range near the transition zone between the parameter regimes for the two mechanisms. In some paradigms one can manipulate stimulus cues to bias the competition away from equal dominance. We have proposed that the percentage of time dominant is a measure for the likelihood of valid interpretation of the scene. from Seventeenth Annual Computational Neuroscience Meeting: CNS*2008 Portland, OR, USA. 19–24 July 2008
Cytochrome P450: What have we learned and what are the future issues?

The cytochrome P450 (P450) field came out of interest in the metabolism of drugs, carcinogens, and steroids, which remain major focal points. Over the years we have come to understand the P450 system components, the multiplicity of P450s, and many aspects of the regulation of the genes and also the catalytic mechanism. Many crystal structures are now becoming available. The significance of P450 in in vivo metabolism is appreciated, particularly in the context of pharmacogenetics. Current scientific issues involve posttranslational modification, gene regulation, component interactions, structures of P450 complexed with ligands, details of high-valent oxygen chemistry, the nature and influence of rate-limiting steps, greater details about some reaction steps, cooperativity, and the relevance of P450 variations to cancer risk. Some
Drug-related morbidity and mortality: updating the cost-of-illness model

Objective: To update the 1995 estimate .of $76.6 billion for the annual cost of drug-related morbidity and mortality resulting from drug-related problems (DRPs) in the ambulatory setting in the United States to reflect current treatment patterns and costs. Design: For this study, we employed the decision-analytic model developed by Johnson and Bootman. We used the model's original design and probability data, but used updated cost estimates derived from the current medical and pharmaceutical literature. Sensitivity analyses were performed on cost data and on probability estimates. Setting: Ambulatory care environment in the United States in the year 2000. Patients and Other Participants: A hypothetical cohort of ambulatory patients. Main Outcome Measures: Average cost of health care resources needed to manage DRPs. Results: As estimated using the decision-tree model, the mean cost for a treatment failure was $977. For a new medical problem, the mean cost was $1,105, and the cost of a combined treatment failure and resulting new medical problem was $1,488. Overall, the cost of drug-related morbidity and mortality exceeded $177.4 billion in 2000. Hospital admissions accounted for nearly 70% ($121.5 billion) of total costs, followed by long-term-care admissions, which accounted for 18% ($32.8 billion). Conclusion: Since 1995, the costs associated with DRPs have more than doubled. Given the economic and medical burdens associated with DRPs, strategies for preventing drug-related morbidity and mortality are urgently needed.
Locating objects using the Hausdorff distance

The Hausdorff distance is a measure defined between two point sets representing a model and an image. In the past, it has been used to search images for instances of a model that has been translated or translated and scaled by finding transformations that bring a large number of model features close to image features, and vice versa. The Hausdorff distance is reliable even when the image contains multiple objects, noise, spurious features, and occlusions. We apply it to the task of locating an affine transformation of a model in an image; this corresponds to determining the pose of a planar object that has undergone weak perspective projection. We develop a rasterised approach to the search and a number of techniques that allow us to quickly locate all transformations of the model that satisfy two quality criteria; we can also quickly locate only the best transformation. We discuss an implementation of this approach, and present some examples of its use. >
Determinants of Compromising Behavior in Negotiation A Meta-Analysis

Effects of eight variables on yielding behavior and time to resolution were evaluated by a meta-analysis of published bargaining experiments reported over a twenty-five year period. The strongest effect sizes were obtained for the variables of prenegotiation experience, negotiator's orientation, initial position distance, and time pressure. Weak effect sizes were shown for large versus small issues, representation, and visibility of the bargaining process. These results challenge the assertion made by Blake and Mouton (1989) that group representation is the most important determinant of competitive behavior in bargaining. Analyses of differences in procedures used in the strongest and weakest effect-size studies in each category suggest a number of conditions under which bargainers are likely to be intransigent. Comparison of the meta-analysis results with those obtained from a simulation where similar variables were combined in scenarios revealed stronger effect sizes for the combined variables both across and within stages of the simulation. Further analyses would elucidate effects of other independent and dependent variables as these are explored in future experimentation.
Navigation in Minimally Invasive Total Knee Arthroplasty and Total Hip Arthroplasty

Conventional techniques in knee and hip arthroplasty lack sensitive tools for intraoperative measurements and real time feedback. Technical errors and outliers are not uncommon. The limited access in less and minimally invasive techniques for arthroplasty can also be another source of errors, especially for the inexperienced surgeon. The use of navigation may improve visualization and accuracy in less invasive surgical techniques and may provide useful intraoperative information. At present, navigation is not a standard technique, although total knee arthroplasty is the most common surgical procedure performed with navigation assistance. The clinical application of computer-assisted orthopaedic surgery in total hip arthroplasty is less common and is currently confined to a few surgeons experienced in such techniques. In this article, we review the literature and present our experience in this field.
Assessment of Swine Worker Exposures to Dust and Endotoxin during Hog Load-Out and Power Washing

Field measurements of personal and area dust and endotoxin concentrations were obtained while agricultural workers performed two work tasks that have been previously unreported: hog load-out and swine building power washing. Hog load-out involves moving hogs from their pens in finishing buildings into a truck for transport to a meat processor. High pressure power washing is conducted for sanitation purposes after a building has been emptied of hogs to remove surface and floor debris. This debri consists of feed, feces, and hog dander as dust or an encrusted form. The hog load-out process necessarily increases pig activity which is known to increase airborne dust concentrations. An unintended consequence of power washing is that the material covering surfaces is forcibly ejected into the atmosphere, creating the potential for a highly concentrated aerosol exposure to workers. The load-out process resulted in a median personal inhalable mass concentration of 7.14 mg m− 3 and median endotoxin concentration of 12 150 endotoxin units (EU) m− 3. When converted to an 8-h time-weighted average for a ‘total’ sampler, one of the 19 samples exceeded a regulatory limit of 15 mg m− 3. An impinger was used to sample power washing endotoxin concentrations, which resulted in a median personal concentration of 40 350 EU m− 3. These concentrations were among the highest found in the literature for any occupation. With the lack of engineering controls present to reduce airborne contaminant concentrations in swine buildings, either respirator use or a reduction in exposure time is recommended while performing these tasks.
Work in progress — analyzing the gap between diagrams and code in computer science

Students in sophomore computer science (ldquoCS 2rdquo) are required to study the properties of a number of standard data structures; that is, common patterns of organizing data in a computer program. Typically, students are first presented with diagrams that graphically depict the data structure, and then shown sample code that actually implements it. We have observed, however, that there is a sizable gap between these two representations, and that many students who master the former have great difficulty translating that knowledge into the latter. We suspect that our pedagogy could be made more effective by treating diagrams themselves as formal entities, and providing students with a way of mapping operations on the ldquoeasyrdquo (pictorial) domain into the ldquohardrdquo (programmatic) domain. To help develop this technique, we carried out a semester-long experiment in which students demonstrated their understanding of the material both in diagrams and in code. The goal was to ascertain the kinds of mistakes that are often made, and how a technique like this could be most effective.
Maximum Entropy in Condensed Matter Theory

The principle of maximum entropy has recently been applied to several problems of condensed matter theory. In this paper we discuss some technical aspects of the maxent approach to these problems, and show some general properties of the applications of the method. In particular, we show that maxent can be thought of as a convenient way to close hierarchies, and to extrapolate perturbation series for quantities of physical interest. An illustration of this viewpoint is provided by an examination of the dynamics of a quantum mechanical spin system. We discuss a general maxent method for the extrapolation of power series, and apply the method both to problems of condensed matter (a virial equation of state and spin resonance problems), and to a classic example of a difficult series to handle: the anharmonic quantum oscillator with octic perturbation. We show that the inclusion of information beside Taylor coefficients is critical to obtaining a satisfactory extrapolation for the divergent perturbation series. A general maxent criterion is proposed for optimal series extrapolation.
Disposition of the Dietary Mutagen 2-Amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline in Healthy and Pancreatic Cancer Compromised Humans

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. Once diagnosed, prognosis is poor with a 5-year survival rate of less than 5%. Exposure to carcinogenic heterocyclic amines (HCAs) derived from cooked meat has been shown to be positively associated with pancreatic cancer risk. To evaluate the processes that determine the carcinogenic potential of HCAs for human pancreas, 14-carbon labeled 2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (MeIQx), a putative human carcinogenic HCA found in well-done cooked meat, was administered at a dietary relevant dose to human volunteers diagnosed with pancreatic cancer undergoing partial pancreatectomy and healthy control volunteers. After (14)C-MeIQx exposure, blood and urine were collected for pharmacokinetic and metabolite analysis. MeIQx-DNA adducts levels were quantified by accelerator mass spectrometry from pancreatic tissue excised during surgery from the cancer patient group. Pharmacokinetic analysis of plasma revealed a rapid distribution of MeIQx with a plasma elimination half-life of approximately 3.5 h in 50% of the cancer patients and all of the control volunteers. In 2 of the 4 cancer patients, very low levels of MeIQx were detected in plasma and urine suggesting low absorption from the gut into the plasma. Urinary metabolite analysis revealed five MeIQx metabolites with 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline-8-carboxylic acid being the most abundant accounting for 25%-50% of the recovered 14-carbon/mL urine. There was no discernible difference in metabolite levels between the cancer patient volunteers and the control group. MeIQx-DNA adduct analysis of pancreas and duodenum tissue revealed adduct levels indistinguishable from background levels. Although other meat-derived HCA mutagens have been shown to bind DNA in pancreatic tissue, indicating that exposure to HCAs from cooked meat cannot be discounted as a risk factor for pancreatic cancer, the results from this current study show that exposure to a single dietary dose of MeIQx does not readily form measurable DNA adducts under the conditions of the experiment.
Minimizing economic impacts from post-fire debris flows in the western United States

For individual burned drainage basins, existing hazard models and readily available data can be combined in a geographic information system to rapidly estimate debris-flow-related damages following a wildfire. The results can then be integrated into an optimization model, whose output guides allocation of emergency management funds and selection of cost-optimized debris-flow management strategies for burned areas consisting of multiple drainage basins. This paper describes methods to identify and value elements-at-risk from a range of possible post-fire debris-flow scenarios, methods to integrate these results with common debris-flow mitigation techniques and best management practices, and methods to apply this information to optimize the mitigation decisions for burned areas. Despite the potential to transform the way hazard managers approach debris-flow mitigation decisions following wildfires, natural hazard and social science management models have not previously been linked in the literature. Results from Santa Barbara (California), Great Sand Dunes National Park (Colorado), and Colfax/Las Animas Counties (Colorado, New Mexico) study sites indicate that optimization modeling can be used to select natural hazard management methods whose benefit for mitigation of post-fire debris flows can easily outweigh the cost of implementation.
Executive and Intellectual Functions in ADHD

The relationship between executive functions (EF), ADHD subtypes, and comorbid diagnoses, and the potential role of IQ were investigated in the Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy.
Ivestigation on the Use of Tobacco Among University Studnets in Hohhot

Objective:To understand the status of tobacco use among university students from Hohhot,and to provide evidence for developing effective prevention strategies on tobacco use.Methods:Standardized sample selection process of cluster-sampling was used in 624 students chosen randomly from two universities from Hohhot.Results:622 valid questionnaires were returned,the efficient rate was 99.7%.Among 622 students,44.4% used tobacco(χ2=57.9%,χ2=32.4%,χ2=42.332,P0.001);The leading reason for smoking was bad mood,and the rate was 8.8% in all;The rate 15.6% for 2 to 5 cigarettes per day was highest in male smokers,and there is no significant difference between two genders(U=793.000 P=0.139);The rate for 16 years and above smokers smoking a whole cigarette first time was 15.6%,and there is no significant difference between two genders(U=3012.5 P=0.228).The used tobacco rate for the freshman was 46.4%,and the rate for Low-grade is higher than high-grade(x2=24.829,P0.001).Conclusion: Smoking was popular among Hohhot undergraduates.Effective comprehensive intervention must be taken to control tobacco use in university students.
Experimental Study on Effect of Compound Extracts of Panax Natogieseng and Ganoderma Lucidum Spore Powder on Blood Lipid of Rat Model With Hyperlipidemia

Objective To study the effect of compound extracts of Panax natoginseng and Ganoderma lucidum spore powder on blood lipid of rat model with hyperlipidemia.Methods The hyperlipidemia rat model was established by feed- ing with high-fat diet.The low,moderate and high dose groups were fed with the compound extracts of Panax natoginseng and Ganoderma lucidum spore powder at dosages of 0.24 g/kg,0.48 g/kg,and 1.44 g/kg respectively.Serum total choles- teral(TC),triglyceride(TG)and high density lipoprotein cholestreral(HDL-C)were measured at the end of the experiment. Results TC value was lowered in the moderate and high dose groups;TG value was lowered in the high dose group;and HDL-C was not changed.Conclusion The compound extracts of Panax natoginseng and Ganoderma lucidum spore powder have the effect of moderating blood lipid profiles.
Realizing Lucier and Stockhausen: Case studies in electroacoustic performance practice

The author’s realizations of Alvin Lucier’s “I am sitting in a room” and Karlheinz Stockhausen’s Mikrophonie I are considered as case studies in the realization of live electroacoustic music. The new realizations, while faithful to the works’ scores, differed from the composers’ traditions of performance. Lucier’s piece was realized in real-time, a new set of implements and playing techniques were developed for Stockhausen’s, and analog electronics were reproduced in software for both works. The author suggests that realization requires a practical approach, balancing textual fidelity, musical effectiveness, and pragmatism.
Effect of age on dopaminergic responses to protein feeding

Renal excretory responses to protein feeding were compared in nine young (20-26 yr) and nine elderly (70-89 yr) men. Although protein increased excretion of dopamine and serotonin (5-HT, P < 0.001 for both), the basal excretion of dopamine and 5-HT was less in old than young men (P < 0.05). Protein increased sodium and water excretion in the young; responses in elderly for both were less (P < 0.025). Carbidopa markedly suppressed dopamine and 5-HT excretion in both young and old men. Carbidopa also attenuated protein-induced natriuresis and diuresis and raised serum aldosterone levels in the young but not in the old men. These age-related differences in dopamine and 5-HT excretion were not abolished by alterations in dietary NaCl. Thus, although dopamine excretion is decreased overall in elderly men, sodium and water excretion and aldosterone secretion in the old men were unaffected by alterations in dopamine production. These data suggest that impaired protein-induced natriuresis in the old men may be due to limitations in renovascular responses and that, in young men, dopamine and 5-HT may contribute to the protein-induced changes in renovascular function.
The Emerging Molecular Landscape of Urothelial Carcinoma

Although there have been many recent discoveries in the molecular alterations associated with urothelial carcinoma, current understanding of this disease lags behind many other malignancies. Historically, a two-pathway model had been applied to distinguish low- and high-grade urothelial carcinoma, although significant overlap and increasing complexity of molecular alterations has been recently described. In many cases, mutations in HRAS and FGFR3 that affect the MAPK and PI3K pathways seem to be associated with noninvasive low-grade papillary tumors, whereas mutations in TP53 and RB that affect the G1-S transition of the cell cycle are associated with high-grade in situ and invasive carcinoma. However, recent large-scale analyses have identified overlap in these pathways relative to morphology, and in addition, many other variants in a wide variety of oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes have been identified. New technologies including next-generation sequencing have enabled more detailed analysis of urothelial carcinoma, and several groups have proposed molecular classification systems based on these data, although consensus is elusive. This article reviews the current understanding of alterations affecting oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes associated with urothelial carcinoma, and their application in the context of morphology and classification schema.
Should a Trial of Epidural Steroid Injections Be Done Before Considering Spine Surgery

Thanksgiving dinner each year consists of a house full of family members picking on cheese and crackers while anxiously awaiting the good news: The turkey is done cooking! Every year my Uncle Ricky would move briskly to his chair at the head of the dinner table and promptly reach for the serving fork to assure that he had first access to the best looking pieces of turkey. This year, however, was different. Uncle Ricky didn’t get there first. I questioned him regarding his slow pace over to the feast.
Management of cerebral vasospasm following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Cerebral vasospasm is a serious complication following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH); it causes delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) or infarction. Arterial vasospasm is considered the most common cause of disability and mortality among survivors of aneurysmal SAH. Monitoring for vasospasm is extremely important starting from the first day following a hemorrhage. The mechanism of vasospasm is not completely understood, but most data and studies link the incidence of vasospasm to inflammatory responses secondary to extravasation of blood into the subarachnoid space. It is essential for critical care teams and health care providers caring for patients with aneurysmal SAH to understand the clinical presentation and management of cerebral vasospasm. In our review, we focus on the guidelines for monitoring and basic management of vasospasm and DCI which include monitoring options, hemodynamic and endovascular therapy, triggers for intervention, and triggers for treatment de-escalation.
Response to: Further evidence for curricular influence on student connectedness.

Dear SirWe thank Farlow et al. for their comment on our recently published study “Small group activities within academic communities improve the connectedness of students and faculty”.We are please...
Dynamic Characterization of a High-Resolution MEMS Force Sensor for Middle-Ear Mechanics

The human eardrum or tympanic membrane (TM) is a thin multi-layer structure that separates the outer ear from the middle ear and initiates sound transmission to the inner ear. We are developing and applying holographic methodologies to study the kinematics of the TM in full-field and measuring acoustically-induced forces at discrete locations of the TM with a commercially-available MEMS force sensor. Preliminary measurements of force indicate that the response of the TM is affected by the dynamics of the sensor. In this paper, we report our progress in the quantitative investigation of the interaction between the TM and MEMS force sensor to characterize the accuracy of our displacement and force measurements.
Like throwing a piece of me away: How online and in-store grocery purchase channels affect consumers’ food waste

Abstract Consumer food waste is a significant and growing concern. As such, researchers, practitioners, and policy makers have devoted increasing attention to identifying the driving factors of this consequential consumer behavior. The present research contributes to this body of knowledge by uniquely showing how grocery purchase channels (i.e., online vs. in-store) may differentially affect food waste likelihood. Indeed, online grocery shopping is projected to rise considerably in the near future and warrants attention as a catalyst to both (normatively) positive and negative downstream outcomes. Using an experimental approach, the current research proposes and demonstrates that waste likelihood is higher (vs. lower) when consumers purchase food items online (vs. in-store), and further explores the psychological mechanism underlying this effect. Three studies collectively provide evidence that online channels systematically yield lower perceptions of purchase effort, thereby reducing experiences of psychological ownership and, in turn, increasing consumers’ intentions of discarding (vs. consuming) purchased food items. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
Adding four-dimensional data assimilation by analysis nudging to the Model for Prediction Across Scales - Atmosphere (version 4.0).

Abstract. The Model for Prediction Across Scales – Atmosphere (MPAS-A) has been modified to allow four-dimensional data assimilation (FDDA) by the nudging of temperature, humidity, and wind toward target values predefined on the MPAS-A computational mesh. The addition of nudging allows MPAS-A to be used as a global-scale meteorological driver for retrospective air quality modeling. The technique of “analysis nudging” developed for the Penn State/National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Mesoscale Model, and later applied in the Weather Research and Forecasting model, is implemented in MPAS-A with adaptations for its polygonal Voronoi mesh. Reference fields generated from 1 ∘ × 1 ∘ National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) FNL (Final) Operational Global Analysis data were used to constrain MPAS-A simulations on a 92–25 km variable-resolution mesh with refinement centered over the contiguous United States. Test simulations were conducted for January and July 2013 with and without FDDA, and compared to reference fields and near-surface meteorological observations. The results demonstrate that MPAS-A with analysis nudging has high fidelity to the reference data while still maintaining conservation of mass as in the unmodified model. The results also show that application of FDDA constrains model errors relative to 2 m temperature, 2 m water vapor mixing ratio, and 10 m wind speed such that they continue to be at or below the magnitudes found at the start of each test period.
Coagulation Disorders in the Newborn

Coagulation disorders in the newborn are a challenge to caregivers. Abnormalities of the immature, complex coagulation system of the newborn can have life-threatening consequences. This review provides a summary of the most common newborn bleeding abnormalities faced by clinicians, as well as an approach to the diagnosis and management of these disorders.
The Clinical Evaluation of Alcohol Intoxication Is Inaccurate in Trauma Patients.

BACKGROUND Discharging patients from emergency centers based on the clinical features of intoxication alone may be dangerous, as these may poorly correlate with ethanol measurements. OBJECTIVE We determined the feasibility of utilizing a hand-held breath alcohol analyzer to aid in the disposition of intoxicated trauma patients by comparing serial breathalyzer (Intoximeter, Alco-Sensor FST, St. Louis, Missouri, USA] data with clinical assessments in determining the readiness of trauma patients for discharge. METHODS A total of 20 legally intoxicated (LI) patients (blood alcohol concentration (BAC) >80 mg/dL) brought to our trauma center were prospectively investigated. Serial breath samples were obtained using a breathalyzer as a surrogate measure of repeated BAC. A clinical exam (nystagmus, one-leg balance, heel-toe walk) was performed prior to each breath sampling. RESULTS The enrollees were 85% male, age 30±10 (range 19-51), with a body mass index (BMI) of 29±7. The average initial body alcohol level (BAL) was 245±61 (range 162-370) mg/dL. Based on breath samples, the alcohol elimination rates varied from 21.5 mg/dL/hr to 45.7 mg/dL/hr (mean 28.5 mg/dL/hr). There were no significant differences in alcohol elimination rates by gender, age, or BMI. The clinical exam also varied widely among patients; only seven of 16 (44%) LI patients demonstrated horizontal nystagmus (suggesting sobriety when actually LI) and the majority of the LI patients (66%) were able to complete the balance tasks (suggesting sobriety). CONCLUSION Intoxicated trauma patients have an unreliable clinical sobriety exam and a wide range of alcohol elimination rates. The portable alcohol breath analyzer represents a potential option to easily and inexpensively establish legal sobriety in this population.
Nano-Pulsed Laser Therapy Is Neuroprotective in a Rat Model of Blast-Induced Neurotrauma.

Abstract We have developed a novel, non-invasive nano-pulsed laser therapy (NPLT) system that combines the benefits of near-infrared laser light (808 nm) and ultrasound (optoacoustic) waves, which ...
Quantitative Rietveld analysis of the amorphous content in cements and clinkers

The potential presence of an amorphous content in OPC clinker and cements is usually overlooked when studying their phase composition. This is largely because of the difficulty in determining amorphous content experimentally. Despite this difficulty, the study of amorphous content and composition in these materials has merit due to the likely effects on the reactivity of the resulting cement. This paper applied the Rietveld method using X-ray powder diffraction data to determine the amorphous content of a number of materials, including clinker, cements and single phases. The cementitious materials were found to contain widely varying, but significant, amorphous contents. The addition of amorphous slag to change the amorphous content by a known amount, gave results as expected from the calculated results for the pure cement and clinker amorphous contents. The results are discussed in relation to other studies published on the issue of amorphous content in cementitious materials.
Down syndrome:: Clinical profile from India

Abstract Background Our objective was to study demographic features, clinical features, and karyotype analyses of patients with Down syndrome (DS). Our study design was a retrospective analysis, while the study was conducted in the Genetic Clinic of a tertiary-care teaching hospital. Methods Retrospective analysis of cases referred to the Genetic Clinic was performed. Case proformas of the patients presenting with phenotypic features of DS were analyzed. The following information was recorded from the proformas: age at presentation; sex; maternal age; craniofacial and other physical features; presence and type of congenital heart disease; gastrointestinal abnormalities, and results of cytogenetic evaluation. Clinical features in neonates with DS were separately analyzed. Results Analysis included cases of DS presenting over a period of 7.5 years; a total of 524 patients were studied (303 males and 221 females; M:F ratio 1.37:1). Average age at presentation was 19.4 months (range: 1 day–26 years). Average maternal age at birth of the affected child was 26.8 years (range: 16–45 years). Craniofacial features noted in >50% of the cases included mongoloid slant (83.9%), ear abnormalities (66.9%), epicanthic folds (56.9%), and flat facial profile (50.9%). A total of 76.3% cases had hypotonia. Characteristic limb and dermatoglyphic anomalies were seen in less than one half of cases. These included sandle sign (46.2%), unilateral or bilateral simian crease (33.2%), clinodactyly (36.1%), and brachydactyly (11.1%). Ophthalmologic abnormalities included hypertelorism (33.9%), nystagmus (3.2%), Brushfield spots (3.2%), squint (2.7%), and cataracts (1.9%). Congenital heart disease was clinically diagnosed in 96 cases (18.3%). The nature of the cardiac defect was ascertained by color Doppler examination and/or 2D-echocardiography in 58 cases. The most common cardiac anomalies were ventricular septal defect (25.8%), tetralogy of Fallot (15.5%), and atrial septal defect (12.1%). Gastrointestinal anomalies were noted in seven cases and included three cases with imperforate anus, two with Hirschsprung disease, and one each with duodenal atresia and Morgagni hernia. Results of cytogenetic abnormalities were available in 42.2%. Free trisomy (non-dysjunction) was present in 95%, 3.2% had translocation, and 1.8% were mosaics. In neonates, common features noted were mongoloid slant, ear abnormalities, flat facial profile, hypotonia, sandle sign, and clinodactyly±brachydactyly. Conclusions All characteristic craniofacial and physical features of DS need not be present in every case. Major features noted in the present study were mongoloid slant, ear abnormalities, epicanthic folds, flat facies, and hypotonia. Congenital heart disease was present in 18.3% of cases, with ventricular septal defect being the most common type of defect. Non-dysjunction was the most common cause of the chromosomal anomaly.